Pipeline water transportation project: from Amazon basin to Atacama desert

Abstract

This study proposes a transcontinental water transfer system addressing Atacama Desert scarcity through Amazon Basin surplus redistribution. The infrastructure employs multistage pumping stations (4,000–6,000 m elevation gradients) with PLC-controlled pressure regulation, achieving 92% energy efficiency via adaptive modulation and turbine recovery. A hybrid financing model (public-private partnerships, metered tariffs) supports US$1.55 billion CAPEX and US$148.5 million annual OPEX, ensuring 20-year ROI. Closed-loop infrastructure maintains <1% leakage, minimizing ecological impacts while meeting regional daily demand (125,000 tons, 5,200 tons/hour). The system aligns with SDGs 6 and 13, demonstrating high replicability (UNEP index:0.87) through hydraulic resilience optimization and sustainable financing mechanisms for arid high-altitude regions