Rescue operations in drought crisis: A ray of hope for the Marshall Islands

Drought relief in the Marshall Islands

On the remote Kili Atoll in the Marshall Islands, the region’s second permanent solar- and wind-powered desalination plant is now operational. A similar plant was installed earlier this year on the island of Utrik, 400 miles to the north, to provide pure, safe water to islanders affected by years of drought.

On Keeley Island, Tom Vance of Moana Marine LLC installed two Spectra LB-2800 reverse osmosis desalination systems to provide more than 5,000 gallons (about 20,000 liters) of clean, fresh water from seawater every day. , Drinking water that meets the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency. Previously, Kili Island's 600 residents were not only suffering from drought but also from contaminated groundwater that had to be boiled before drinking.

Typically, a desalination plant of this size requires diesel generator power. Due to the high energy efficiency of the Spectra desalination system, the entire plant can be powered by wind and solar energy, saving tens of thousands of dollars in fuel costs annually. Additionally, with rising fuel prices and seasonal rough sea conditions causing supply instability, systems powered by alternative energy sources are the only way to ensure a stable, affordable water source.

Spectra uses a proprietary energy recovery pump, making its system the most energy efficient in the industry, making it ideal for solar and wind powered installations.

The islanders are now self-sufficient, able to maintain their water-making equipment with little outside help.

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