Government postpones the increase in water production at the Torrevieja desalination plant until October

The Torrevieja desalination plant expansion’s commissioning has been postponed by the Spanish government until the end of October. It is anticipated that the initiative will result in a 50% increase in the plant’s current production. Once operational, the facility will generate approximately 120 cubic hectometres annually, up from an annual production of just over 80 cubic hectometres. The majority of the desalinated seawater, which is extracted from the vicinity of Los Náufragos seashore in Torrevieja, is utilised to irrigate agricultural enterprises that possess water concessions from the Tagus-Segura Water Transfer.

The works were scheduled for completion in March of this year, as per the 20-month execution period outlined in the contract, following their commencement in July 2024. Nevertheless, the successful bidder submitted a revised project, which has been approved. This modification necessitates a review of the contract, an increase in investment, and an extension of the deadlines.

As of now, the total budget for this endeavour is €97 million, which includes VAT. The cost excess exceeds €8 million, with €2.4 million attributable to price increases and the remaining amount to project modifications. The joint venture established by Cadagua and S. was awarded €89 million for the expansion.

Desalinated water production in Torrevieja

Budgetary constraints

The agreement encompasses the administration and operation of the plant for a period of four years, commencing in mid-2024, in addition to the construction of the expansion. The infrastructure is part of the state-owned company Aguas del Arco Mediterráneo (Acuamed), which in turn reports to the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

The new scenario is characterised by a consolidated economic distribution, with approximately 49.17 million allocated to expansion works and 29.9 million to operations and maintenance.