Life cycle and present worth cost concepts, applicable for large desalting plants?

Abstract As the degree of sophistication and complexity, and the size of dual purpose power — desalting plants increases, several economic methodologies, by which these plants are evaluated, are emerging. The evaluation methodology selected for a project is important to those involved with the plant's technical aspects. Unfortunately some economic methodologies are not well understood within the desalination profession. It is the purpose of this paper to outline several methodologies being used today, and to illustrate, with examples, the different costs that result.