The World's Water 2000-2001: The Biennial Report On Freshwater Resources

124 to be built there. However, it takes approximately three years to move from the planning stage of desalination to actual utilization. Energy for these endeavors initially will come largely from surplus energy now wasted at utility plants—except for wealthy nations like Saudi Arabia, with its oil resources. Solar energy is also in use, and its utilization will grow dramatically. Most areas with water shortages have a great deal of sunshine. But even areas in less warm climates have enough sunlight to make solar power significant. The Chicago public schools, for example, use solar power in eight schools, saving substantial energy costs—and improving the environment at the same time. Nuclear energy for desalination may also be part of the answer, and a few experiments are taking place. Research by the United States and other nations on desalination and solar energy should receive a much greater emphasis. My