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SEADOV Press Release - GOLD COAST - December 2007
A WORLD-first innovative green-powered desalination vessel is set to provide a sustainable solution to Australia’s coastal drought crisis. Seadov (Sustainable Energy and Desalination on Vessel) is an Australian invention that has the potential to cost-effectively solve coastal region water shortages around the world using 'green marine' technology. Seadov technology uses a combination of renewable energy and marine technology. Its reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant is installed and powered by green energy produced on board the vessel, which is typically positioned 10 kilometres offshore. The potable water produced on the vessel is pumped to shore for final treatment before being injected into the local water grid or reservoir. The project is a planned joint venture between Gold Coast-based technology developer Seadov Pty Ltd and a North American marine consortium. Seadov chairman Peter Parker says the innovative project will provide a perfect addition to existing desalination plants, without generating CO2 emissions, while removing the need for restrictions which have become the norm in many parts of the world. "Traditional on-shore desalination plants depend on mains electrical power, which generates very significant levels of CO2," says Mr Parker. "The breakthrough with Seadov is the effective adaptation of renewable energy devices within a marine environment to cost-effectively produce potable water for coastal regions in most parts of the world. "Best of all, to mitigate risk for governments, the proposed deployment of the technology requires absolutely no capital outlay by governments and subject to site location can land potable water at around $2.50 per KL - which is price-competitive with other desalination processes.” Mr Parker says some of the State Government subsidy money used to offset the cost of water tanks, which rely on rainfall, would be better spent buying desalinated Seadov water. "A
fraction of these subsidy funds could supply an additional 40kL for
around $100 per ratepayer household which would typically be more
than needed to allow a ratepayer to water the garden, clean the car
or for whatever use,” he says. In light of recent reports that rainfall calculations are worse than predicted, and with level six restrictions in place in some states, it is vital that Australia finds additional solutions to the water crisis - and a greener alternative. "Based on a specially engineered vessel, not only can this technology assist in solving water crises in Australian coastal regions, but it can also be used for humanitarian aid purposes to generate potable water and electricity for countries struck by war or natural disasters, or for third world countries seeking to deliver potable water and electrical energy services to previously deprived communities,” says Mr Parker. Seadov is the only desalination plant using an innovative combination of wave, tidal, solar and wind energy devices which power an on-board reverse osmosis desalination system and its associated ‘ship-to-shore’ pipeline pumping system. Being located off-shore, no large intake tunnels are required for the sea water and treated water is pumped to shore through sea bed pipelines using renewable energy produced on board. “Conventional shore-based desalination systems discharge the brine by-product at sea bed level which may have a detrimental effect on marine life. With Seadov, the brine is distributed into the ocean’s surface layer and can where necessary be diluted with seawater prior to discharge which allows the brine to readily disperse into the prevailing currents.” says Mr Parker. Mr Parker says while several Australian councils are showing interest in Seadov, he is hopeful that the new Australian Federal Government will initially assist State Governments via financial incentives to demonstrate the internationally relevant technology in light of the increasing water shortages, level 6 restrictions and continuing lack of rainfall. “Seadov may be utilised as a primary source of potable water or to complement existing potable water infrastructure,” he says. “Where existing underground, dam or surface water sources are available and or desalination plant is in operation but where precautionary restriction might still need to be applied, Seadov can supply a perfect daily supply for use by the public on a user pays basis and remove restrictions. This daily buffer can be readily commandeered for use by authorities to augment the base supply in the event that existing dams or other usual supply sources approach critically low levels. “For example a community like the Gold Coast of Australia that has a daily demand of say 150 ML could deploy a single Seadov to produce say 30 ML day or 20 per cent of the daily load. This water pumped into the water grid or a nearby reservoir can be readily on sold on a user-pay basis to frustrated ratepayers that are growing tired of water restrictions.” Peter D. Parker Chairman Seadov Pty Ltd 07 5526 6352 peter@seadov.com
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