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Algerian Researchers Unveil Mobile Solar-Powered Desalination System
🇩🇿 Algeria /Technology

Algerian Researchers Unveil Mobile Solar-Powered Desalination System

From El Watan · (5d ago) French Positive tone

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Researchers at the UDES center in Bou Ismaïl have developed a mobile, solar-powered system to desalinate brackish water.
  • The prototype, designed for farmers and economic operators, produces 5 m³/day of high-quality water and uses mostly locally manufactured components.
  • The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research has encouraged the team to explore commercialization avenues for this Algerian innovation.

A significant breakthrough in water treatment technology has emerged from the Unité de développement des équipements solaires (UDES) in Bou Ismaïl, Tipasa. Our researchers have successfully developed a mobile desalination system powered entirely by renewable solar energy, offering a promising solution for accessing high-quality water, particularly for our agricultural sector and economic operators.

This innovative prototype boasts a production capacity of 5 cubic meters per day, operating efficiently with a 3 kW photovoltaic field under an average of six to eight hours of sunlight. What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that, apart from the imported membranes, all other components are manufactured right here in Algeria. This not only showcases our nation's growing capacity for technological innovation but also reduces reliance on foreign imports.

The potential impact of this mobile desalination unit is substantial, especially for regions like the South where brackish water is prevalent. The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Kamel Baddari, recognized the importance of this development during his visit to UDES. He has actively encouraged Dr. Zoubir Belegroune and his team to pursue pathways for bringing this vital technology to the market. This innovation represents a crucial step towards water security and sustainable development for Algeria, demonstrating the power of local ingenuity in addressing critical national needs.

C’est une eau de process de grande qualité destinée pour les opérateurs économiques et les agriculteurs

— Dr Zoubir BelegrouneDr. Zoubir Belegroune, the lead researcher, highlighted the high quality of the desalinated water produced by the mobile system and its intended beneficiaries.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Watan in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.