Abstract
The dual purpose multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plants constructed in Saudi Arabia are very energy intensive; energy cost is a primary factor influencing the overall cost of desalination. Linking nuclear power with desalination offers technical and economic benefits, as nuclear power technology promises price stability and indigenous fuel availability in the long-term. Implementation of nuclear desalination is essential where large water requirements are predicted in Saudi Arabia. A hybrid reverse osmosis/MSF CANDU scheme is the candidate technology choice for dual purpose nuclear desalination.