MDS Project—Main Dimensions and Economics

The conveyance capacity of the tunnel designed to move water from the Mediterranean Sea to a power station on the Dead Sea was calculated to refill the Dead Sea to its historic level at a rate which maximizes the project's net benefits. The generation capacity of the project was calculated to make optimal use of the amounts of water thus conveyed. In calculating the dimensions of these two main components of the scheme, as well as those of other facilities, the long‐term economic impact of the project on the entire Israeli national power system was evaluated. These studies formed part of the feasibility study which proceeded in parallel with outline design of the facilities. Both engineering and economic studies have adopted a rather conservative approach and included numerous iterations and sensitivity tests. The feasibility study concludes with a recommendation to implement the scheme on the grounds of direct quantifiable benefits only, even though there are several other benefits to the power system, and to the national economy in general.