Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[Koikaze]

Zeev, I've often wondered why it would not be economical to build solar generators, just offshore. There is arid land adjacent to large bodies of water in many parts of the world, and I have the impression (however inaccurate it may be) that those areas have a preponderence of direct sunlight.

Focussing huge concentrators (magnifying glasses?), articulated to follow the sun, on a large vat, could generate steam to run a turbine and the condensate would provide potable water. Such a system would provide two valuable things, electrical energy and water. The problems of tide and eliminating the residue should not be insurmountable.

Clearly, if it were a good idea, we'd be doing it. But I've often wondered what makes it a bad idea. Can you enlighten me?

Fred