ABSTRACT:
A feasibility study was made for a salt gradient solar pond power plant in or near the Salton Sea of California. The conclusions are very supportive of continuing the project into the next phase; design and construction of a 5-MWe proof-of-concept experiment, and ultimate construction by an electric utility company of a 600-MWe plant. The Solar Pond concept will provide an environmental benefit to the Salton Sea by reversing the increasing salinity trend that, if unchecked, will eventually kill all life in the sea. The greatest cost drivers determined for the 5-MWe plant are the lake dike construction and pond sealing. Problems remaining to be resolved include method of brine production from Salton Sea water for the first unit (which will require evaporation pond area and time), the high turbidity and color content of the Salton Sea water (which will require pre-treatment), and other questions related to pond permeability, bio-activity and soil/brine chemical reactions. All technical and environmental problems appear solvable and/or manageable if care is taken in mitigating impacts.