عرضه و تقاضای آب و گزینه آب شیرین کن برای سینا، مصر

The development of non-conventional water resources in Egypt is a must in order to respond to the continuously increasing demand. The present paper presents the results of an investigation undertaken in order to evaluate technically and economically the installed desalination units in Sinai. The available water resources were evaluated. Forecast study was undertaken in order to evaluate the expected shortage. The future need for desalination units was identified. The main objective of this work is to identify the potential sites for desalination project implementation.

Egypt is facing a water scarcity due to over-population,industrialization and agricultural expansion.The Sinai and Red Sea areas are suffering from water shortages.These two areas are identical in geographical conditions.They are away from the Nile with limited underground water resources.Both areas are important for Egypt's economic growth.The present study is focused on Sinai.A detailed analysis was under- taken dealing with:(1) water resources (including non-conventional) and (2) water use.Sinai,particularly the Gulf of Aqaba region,is promising for Egypt's economic growth.The only disadvantage for the development of this area is water.The study has shown clearly that water desalination is the most appropriate way to respond to the water shortage problem.A Geographical Information System (GIS) tool was used to identify the areas under risk and the necessary plant size and technology; the expected water cost was also calculated.The study also gives an estimation of the required projects to solve the water shortage problem.Water resources and their use were evaluated.Finally, scenarios were developed in order to estimate the desalination projects required.

The desalination option is the most appro-priate in order to respond to the water shortage problems in South Sinai.Based on the present study,RO is the appropriate technology for the development of the Sinai and Gulf of Aqaba region.Solar energy can be used in order to power these units using photovoltaic units instead of diesel generators where diesel is used.The photovoltaic panels can be installed on the neighboring mountains.The area of the Gulf of Aqaba is expected to have a boom in tourism.The estimated market potential in only the south Taba area is 20,000 m3/d for over 40 hotels and tourist resorts under construction.