how does it add up, page-15

Harlee – I’m no expert, just looked into renewables a bit over the last few weeks.

I’m sure there’s lots of problems with desalination plants but yes, disposal of the brine (not salt) is an environmental one. Sealife is adapted to the local salinity and concentrated brine will wipe a lot out. But it’s not insoluble – just means one needs to ensure the outfall is well dispersed.

There’s a whole academic journal devoted to desalination – called, unsurprisingly, “Desalination”. They charge for one off access to their papers – but here’s a freely available paper from elsewhere:
http://www.ucowr.siu.edu/updates/132/6.pdf

Looking about a bit, $40/MWh seems the right kind of Aussie rate. Even with a $40 REC that’s $80/MWh.

Not that attractive, for contrast UK renewable energy’s currently around £95/MWh : A$220!