Abstract

This study summarizes previous proposals and studies concerning Qattara power projects and gives some details about a new concept, which aims to produce hydropower like all previous proposals, and also extra electric power and fresh water via a site specific solar-pond-chimney system. Sea water from the Mediterranean Sea and re-used water from the end of Rosetta branch would feed an artificial lake in the Qattara Depression, where salt gradient heating phenomena would be exploited. The proposed scheme entails two inlet water ways (for sea water and re-used water) and an outlet water way for the produced fresh water. Several experimental studies in a hydraulic lab will be required to clarify technical and economic feasibility aspects.

Key words: Desalination, hydraulics, hydro power, Qattara Depression, reused water, solar ponds.