(a) whether the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai has developed a cost effective technology to desalinate sea water to produce quality drinking water;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the cost of drinking water so produced per litre; and
(c) the time by which this technology is likely to be put to use ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT( SHRI KAPIL SIBAL )
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai has developed a laboratory scale desalination plant with a capacity of 500 liter per day, based on Low Temperature Thermal Desalination System. At present, the cost of production is approximately 90 paise per litre. However, the cost is expected to come down to 25 paise per litre, once the 1,00,000 litre per day capacity desalination plant is commissioned at field.
(c) The Low Temperature Thermal Desalination Plant is expected to be established in the Lakshadweep Islands in about one year`s time.