Grant Proposal: For a Water Desalination Plant for Arizona and its regional neighbors
Overview:
The proposed project aims to establish a water desalination plant in Mexico that will serve the State of Arizona and its regional neighbors, specifically the areas of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the Rio Verde. The project will involve replacing water supplies from the Colorado River, which have been declining due to various reasons, including climate change and drought. The project will be carried out by NorCal Strategic Inc., a non-profit company, and will be funded by bonds and federal grants. The project will cost an estimated $500 million, and the funds will be allocated to several components of the project.
Objectives:
The objectives of the project are as follows:
To establish a reliable and sustainable source of freshwater for the State of Arizona and its regional neighbors, particularly in areas where water supply is limited.
To reduce the dependence of Arizona on water from the Colorado River and other sources that are subject to environmental stress and political disputes.
To promote regional cooperation and collaboration between Mexico and the United States in addressing water scarcity and environmental challenges.
To promote the use of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power, in the operation of the desalination plant.
To promote the recycling and reuse of saltwater by producing lithium batteries from retained salt, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainable development.
Location:
The proposed water desalination plant will be located in the Gulf of California, near the border between Mexico and the United States. The location was chosen for its proximity to Arizona, as well as its access to seawater that is suitable for desalination. The site will also be accessible for the transportation of equipment and materials needed for the construction and operation of the plant.
Cost breakdown:
The estimated cost of the project is $500 million, which will be allocated as follows:
Construction of the desalination plant: $300 million
Construction of an offshore wind farm: $100 million
Research and development of lithium battery production: $50 million
Operation and maintenance of the plant and wind farm for the first five years: $50 million
Offshore wind farm:
The proposed desalination plant will operate off an offshore wind farm, which will be constructed as part of the project. The wind farm will be built using the latest technology in wind energy, including turbines that can withstand strong winds and waves. The wind farm will be connected to the desalination plant through an underwater cable that will transmit the electricity generated by the wind turbines.
Lithium battery production:
The retained salt from the desalination process will be used to create lithium batteries. This approach will help to reduce waste and promote sustainable development. The production of lithium batteries will also generate revenue that can be used to fund future research and development of renewable energy sources.
Conclusion:
The proposed water desalination plant in Mexico will serve as a reliable and sustainable source of freshwater for the State of Arizona, particularly in areas where water supply is limited. The project will reduce the dependence of Arizona on water from the Colorado River and promote the use of renewable energy in the operation of the desalination plant. The project will also promote regional cooperation and collaboration between Mexico and the United States in addressing water scarcity and environmental challenges. The project will be carried out by NorCal Strategic, a non-profit company, and will be funded by bonds and federal grants. The estimated cost of the project is $500 million, which will be allocated to several components of the project, including the construction of the desalination plant, offshore wind farm, and research and development of lithium battery production.
