Summary Reader Response - Draft #1

In the article titled “S’pore’s fifth desalination plant opens on Jurong Island”, written by Qing (2022), functions and features of Jurong island desalination plant are described. Desalination is a water treatment process which aims to convert seawater into potable water. According to Qing (2022), Jurong island desalination plant receives seawater used to cool the complex, a utility plant supplying steam and electricity for chemical companies on Jurong Island for processing into potable water. The plant processes consist of dissolved air flotation, ultrafiltration and seawater reverse osmosis which removes pollutants such as dissolved salt, minerals, bacteria, etc. One notable feature is that this highly automated plant only requires two to three people to operate, making it the most manpower-efficient plant in Singapore. Moreover, Public Utility Board PUB(2023) mentioned that "its co-location with Tuas Power’s Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex allows it to derive synergies in resources such as seawater-intake and energy, making it about 5% more energy-efficient than conventional desalination plants". This 5% might seem measly and insignificant but actually amounts to an "annual energy savings sufficient to power nearly 1,000 households".

Thesis: Desalination is crucial for maintaining water availability, not only in Singapore but also in other countries. Its importance lies not just in its energy efficiency and effective utilization of human resources but also in acknowledging the significant financial burden it entails.

The desalination plant is crucial in water availability by converting seawater into freshwater. According to Amol Rane (July 2023), water sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater reservoirs are running out due to excessive exploitation and pollution. Desalination allows freshwater sources through the use of seawater, as 70% of Earth is covered by oceans. Desalinating seawater for the water supply helps minimize the risk of water shortages. "By tapping into the vast resource of seawater, regions can become less dependent on unpredictable rainfall patterns and dwindling groundwater levels" Amol Rane (July 2023). The utilization of seawater resources enables Singapore to be independent of rainwater collection, ensuring a continuous and secure water supply.

Desalination also brings benefits such as energy efficiency and effective utilization of human resources. One example would be the Jurong Island Desalination Plant (JIDP). "Leveraging the complex's existing infrastructure for seawater intake, the synergies between the desalination plant and the complex have enabled operations to save approximately 5,000 megawatt-hours per year." Mr Jiang Hanbin (2022). These energy savings will render seawater desalination, which is currently the most costly method of water production due to its energy demands, much more acceptable. Desalination enables the utilization of minimal human labor through the operation of a highly automated facility. "The central control room is the "brain" that oversees the operations of the desalination plant. From the room, two to three people can keep track of the plant's operations through over 70 analyzers, and make adjustments." Qing (April 2022)

While desalination offers advantages, it also carries a substantial financial load. The potential drawbacks of utilizing costly technology to run the plants might outweigh the benefits it could provide.

According to Nick (January 2023), "The latest desalination market report from Global Industry Analysts, a market research company, anticipates the global desalination market to grow by 9.8% annually from $15.2bn in 2022 to $22.5bn in 2026. However, this growth will largely be driven by China and the US," As the year goes, the cost will increase exponentially due to the high demand needed for water. Hence, it is essential to conduct research and efforts that enable the operation of the plant while simultaneously reducing the associated financial burden.

Desalination is an effective and efficient way to maintain water availability and resources in terms of energy and manpower. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider the downside of employing desalination as mentioned above. Desalination stands as a vital water treatment method, proving to be instrumental in global water conservation efforts due to its emphasis on energy efficiency and ensuring critical water availability.

References

Qing, A. (2022, April 17). S’pore’s fifth desalination plant opens on Jurong Island. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapores-fifth-desalination-plant-opens-on-jurong-island

PUB. (2023, November 29). Desalinated Water. PUB. https://www.pub.gov.sg/Public/WaterLoop/OurWaterStory/DesalinatedWater

Nick  Ferris (2023, January 17).  Can Desalination save a drying world https://www.energymonitor.ai/tech/can-desalination-save-a-drying-world/?cf-view

Rane, A. (2023, July 23). 🌊💧 importance of sea water desalination for a sustainable future 💧🌊. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-sea-water-desalination-sustainable-future-amol-rane/

Qing, A. (2022, April 17). How just 2 people can run plant that produces up to 30m gallons of water daily in Singapore. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/how-just-2-people-can-run-plant-that-produces-up-to-30m-gallons-of-water-daily-in-singapore 

Robbins et al., (2019, June 11). As water scarcity increases, desalination plants are on the rise https://e360.yale.edu/features/as-water-scarcity-increases-desalination-plants-are-on-the-rise