TECHNOLOGY developer Seadov wants the State Government to reconsider a proposal for a privately backed, $110 million offshore desalination plant.

Seadov (Sustainable Energy and Desalination on Vessel) is a world-first Australian invention with the potential to cost effectively solve coastal region water shortages around the world using 'green marine' technology.

Seadov's directors and shareholders are managing director Philip Griffin, a marine consultant of Perth; Dr Brian Kirke, a turbine specialist from Adelaide; and chairman Peter Parker, a Gold Coast-based technology developer.

The three have a long history and interest in renewable energy and have developed Seadov using green marine power to produce electricity for shore-based usage and potable water supply to drought-proof affected coastal areas all over the world.

Seadov chairman Mr Parker says in light of recent reports that rainfall calculations are worse than predicted, Queensland needs additional solutions to the water crisis - and a greener alternative, without the implications of brine disposal.

Seadov vessels are typically located at least 10km offshore, where they create no noise or visual pollution problems and where the residual brine is easily and safely disposed of.

"The Seadov can operate 24/7 to produce up to 35 megalitres of drinkable water per day and create a perfect buffer," says Mr Parker.

"Based on an ocean-going vessel, not only can this technology assist in solving water crises in Australian coastal regions, but it can also be used for humanitarian aid purposes to generate potable water and electricity for countries struck by war or natural disasters, or for third world countries seeking to deliver potable water and electrical energy services to previously deprived communities."

The Seadov technology uses a combination of renewable energy and marine technology. Its reverse osmosis (RO) desalination process plant is powered by green energy produced on board the vessel.

Subject to site location, wave, solar, wind and tidal energy devices may be used to harness the available prevailing natural energy surrounding the site.

The potable water produced on the vessel is pumped to shore for final treatment before being injected into the local water grid or reservoir.

For maximum reliability, the vessels deploy only proven renewable energy devices/systems and in conjunction with a number of novel methods (patents pending), the vessel is manoeuvred to optimise power output in the production of potable water.

"Traditional on-shore desalination plants depend on mains electrical power, which generates significant levels of CO2," says Mr Parker.

"The breakthrough with Seadov is the effective adaptation of renewable energy devices within a marine environment to cost-effectively produce potable water for coastal regions in most parts of the world.

"Best of all, to mitigate risk for governments, the proposed deployment of the technology requires absolutely no capital outlay by governments and can supply water at around $2.50 per KL - which is price-competitive with other desalination processes.

"The great challenge for us so far is to get in front of the decision makers and debate the merits of our technology."

Mr Parker says some of the State Government subsidy money used to offset the cost of water tanks, which rely on rainfall, would be better spent buying desalinated Seadov water.

"These funds would supply an additional 20kL a year for around $50 per ratepayer. The impact of this will relieve or remove water restrictions and provide an additional buffer when the dams are very low," he says.