Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are transforming the water sector worldwide, and desalination is at the heart of this evolution. As freshwater scarcity intensifies and climate change accelerates, nations are turning to PPPs to deliver large-scale desalination projects that ensure water security while meeting sustainability goals.
Why PPPs Matter for Desalination
PPPs combine the public sector’s vision and regulatory framework with the private sector’s technology, investment capacity, and operational expertise. This synergy enables rapid deployment of advanced desalination plants, integrating energy-efficient technologies and digital solutions that would otherwise take years under traditional models.
ACCIONA’s Global Role
ACCIONA has positioned PPPs as a cornerstone of its international growth strategy, delivering desalination projects that prioritize efficiency, resilience, and environmental responsibility. The company operates in more than 40 countries, adapting each project to local needs while maintaining a commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
Flagship PPP Desalination Projects
Saudi Arabia – Shuqaiq 3 Plant
Under Saudi Vision 2030, ACCIONA partnered with the Saudi Water Partnership Company to develop Shuqaiq 3, one of the largest reverse osmosis desalination plants in the region.
- Capacity: Supplies drinking water to over 3 million people
- Features: Advanced energy-saving technology, reduced carbon footprint
- Impact: Strengthens water self-sufficiency and creates local jobs
Morocco – Casablanca Desalination Plant
To combat severe water stress, Morocco launched a national desalination program, with ACCIONA leading the Casablanca plant, one of the largest globally.
- Capacity: 822,000 m³/day
- Purpose: Supports domestic, agricultural, and industrial water needs
- Sustainability: Reduces aquifer overexploitation and aligns with SDG 6
Brazil – Water & Sanitation PPPs
In Latin America, ACCIONA manages water and wastewater services in 56 municipalities under PPP frameworks, improving operational efficiency and expanding access to clean water.
The Bigger Picture
PPPs are more than financing tools—they are structural enablers for innovation in desalination. They:
- Accelerate technology adoption (AI, remote monitoring, digital twins)
- Share risks and ensure long-term operational stability
- Promote sustainable resource management
As global water scarcity worsens, PPP-driven desalination projects will play a critical role in securing water for millions while advancing climate and sustainability targets.
(Source: Smart Water Magazine)