Assessment of the integrated nuclear plant for electricity production and seawater desalination in Iran

Like many other developing countries, the demand for water is continuously growing in Iran. As an environmental challenge, Water shortage problems are explicitly sensible in the Middle East nations including Iran. In addition to the potable water problems, some central and southern provinces of the country suffer from a remarkable gap between electricity generation and demand, particularly during summer heat waves. To deal with the stated issues, nuclear desalination can be suggested as an alternative option, which has been used successfully by a number of countries. There are several fossil fuel-powered desalination units especially in southern sections of Iran. Fossil fuels destruct the environment, being the dominant reason for air pollution. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to determine a suitable option for resolving both energy and water difficulties, which promises fewer carbon emissions in comparison to traditional sources of energy. Some important economic factors that are necessary to be examined for Iran are described. Several nuclear and fossil fuel-based desalination scenarios have been examined by using the International Atomic Energy Agency and Desalination Economic Evaluation Program (DEEP). Results of calculations for water and electricity prices of different options are presented and a brief discussion about other useful parameters is given. It has found that the coupling of a gas-cooled nuclear power plant with the multi-effect distillation technology is the most economical option with the desalination cost of 0.711 $/m(3).