Renewable energy and water development

Abstract

"The economic feasibility of geothermal and other renewable energy developments can be greatly enhanced by the use of the excess power for other than conventional utility distribution. Proposed herein is the use of this energy for the development of fresh water supplies. The basic concept presented here is to use the excess power whenever it becomes available to collect and pump fresh water to a reservoir at a sufficient elevation so that the water can be delivered to where it is needed through gravity flow. By installing a hydroelectric generating plant to harness the energy in the flowing water, electricity can be generated at times when it is needed and its value is highest. This idea can be considered as an extension of the concept of a pump-storage system used widely throughout the country."