Solarisation Feasibility Study – Zuwara Desalination Plant, Libya
Client: Water Infrastructure | Renewable Energy
Location: Zuwara, Libya
Sector: Water Infrastructure | Renewable Energy
Duration: 6 months
Project Background

GSC conducted a multidisciplinary feasibility assignment for UNICEF Libya and the General Desalination Company to evaluate renewable-energy integration at the Zuwara Desalination Plant. The six-month assignment addressed the plant's high energy intensity and its dependence on conventional fuels.

Project Objectives
  • Characterise the desalination plant's electrical demand and operating profile.
  • Assess solar PV, solar thermal and hybrid energy options.
  • Determine site and solar-resource suitability.
  • Evaluate technical, economic and environmental feasibility.
  • Develop an implementation pathway that could be phased without compromising water production.
Engineering / Delivery Challenges

GSC carried out an electrical load analysis of approximately 215 MWh/day, followed by assessment of solar PV, solar thermal and hybrid options against a dedicated solar-resource and site assessment. Lifecycle economic modelling, including IRR, NPV and payback, supported preliminary sizing, a Bill of Quantities and a phased implementation roadmap.

GSC Engineering Approach & Methodology
  • Detailed electrical-load analysis of desalination operations.
  • Assessment of solar PV, solar thermal and hybrid integration scenarios.
  • Solar-resource and site-suitability review, including approximately 13 hectares of available area.
  • Preliminary system sizing and bill-of-quantities development.
  • Lifecycle economic modelling including IRR, NPV and payback analysis.
  • Environmental and sustainability assessment.
  • Phased implementation roadmap for long-term solarisation.
Detailed Scope of Services
  • Electrical load analysis of approximately 215 MWh/day
  • Assessment of solar PV, solar thermal and hybrid options
  • Solar-resource and site assessment
  • Lifecycle economic modelling including IRR, NPV and payback
  • Preliminary sizing, BoQ and phased implementation roadmap
Engineering Highlights & Value Delivered
  • A 10 MWp solar PV solution was proposed in the study.
  • Potential coverage of approximately 45–50% of plant energy demand.
  • Indicative payback period of approximately 5–6 years, subject to study assumptions.
  • Potential annual CO₂ reduction of more than 12,000 tonnes.
  • A phased roadmap supported longer-term energy sustainability for critical water infrastructure.
Technologies, Methods & Standards
  • Solar PV
  • Solar thermal assessment
  • Hybrid energy systems
  • Energy economics
  • Water-energy nexus
  • Feasibility studies
  • Environmental impact considerations
Sustainability / Business Impact

The case demonstrates GSC's approach of connecting engineering decisions with reliability, lifecycle value, operational performance and sustainability. Where quantified results are shown above, they are retained from the underlying project material and should not be altered by the website developer.

Lessons & Transferable Value

Solarising critical infrastructure requires a system-level view. The renewable-energy design must be matched to the plant's operational profile, reliability requirements, available land, electrical interfaces and investment constraints rather than being sized only from annual energy demand.

GSCTS
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