Ms. Patricia Burke, Secretary-General of IDA shares with Samantha Keck her insights on the desalination industry worldwide.
First, tell us your thoughts on the recently concluded IDA World Congress Dubai.
Ms. Patricia Burke
The 2009 IDA World Congress in Dubai was a truly outstanding event and the most successful in our history. More than 1,350 delegates from around the world attended the event. The exhibition was the largest in our history with 67 companies showcasing the latest desalination technologies. In addition, the Technical Papers Session was very robust with over 240 papers presented. We also conducted several plant tours throughout the World Congress week. If you factor in that the event took place in a somewhat depressed global economy, all the numbers that were achieved were very impressive. The Technical Programme, exhibits, venue and the quality of the attendees made this a very memorable event.
How has the desalination industry changed over the last 10 years? What has been IDA’s role in that change?
The greatest change is, of course, the dramatic growth of the desalination industry. Desalination is now a critically important part of the solution to the world’s water problem. There are now at least 14,451 desalination plants in operation in 150 countries around the world, with a combined installed capacity of 59.9 million m3/day. In addition, a further 244 plants with a capacity of 9.1 million m3/day are known to be under contract. More plants with more capacity have been brought online during the past year than ever before. This is a reflection on the growing need for quality water in areas where there is not enough supply and the quality is poor.
Also noteworthy is the advances in technology, which has succeeded in lowering desalination costs dramatically. Equally important is the focus we have placed on environmental responsibility. New intake and outfall designs have mitigated any impacts on marine life. We have been able to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well, and the industry is developing a suite of solutions in terms of brine disposal. IDA has formed an Environmental Task Force to examine environmental impacts on the Arabian Gulf and recommend strategies to deal with potential effects. Environmental responsibility is a critical issue in which IDA, as the world’s leading global resource for the desalination industry, is taking a highly proactive role.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the desalination industry globally and why?
I think that there are two key issues driving the industry. One, of course, is cost. The more that we can continue to reduce the costs of producing desalinated water, the more impact we will have on the industry worldwide, making desalination a truly viable alternative to traditional sources. Another issue in which IDA is taking the lead is to be sure that we are reducing any potential impact the on the environment. Our recently formed Task Force will address these issues and will disseminate the results in a ‘Blue Paper’ and environmental conference in 2010.
What impact do you think IDA’s environmental taskforce will have on the region?
Our goal is to make a significant contribution by providing all stakeholders with information that can be used to mitigate potential environmental impacts. The Arabian Gulf is unique in its size and narrow outlet. As a semi-closed body of water, the rate at which the water recharges is considerably slower than other areas where the sea flows freely. To start, our goal is to develop an accurate and current picture of specific problems that this body of water faces. Our task force, composed of top subject matter experts, will examine these issues. From there, we will be developing recommended strategies to mitigate potential impacts.
