Water company Acosol has launched a tender worth nearly €1 million for the design of a second seawater desalination plant on the Costa del Sol. The project includes a preliminary study, evaluation of alternatives, and all technical and environmental reports. The design phase is expected to take 24 months, with the first stage ensuring water supply until 2039.
Capacity and Location
The plant will initially produce 10–12 million cubic metres of desalinated water annually, with the option to expand to 20 million cubic metres, matching the capacity of Marbella’s modernised facility. The exact location is undecided, but potential sites include Mijas, Torremolinos, and Benalmádena.
Why It’s Needed
Current water sources—mainly the La Concepción reservoir (63 million cubic metres per year), Marbella’s desalination plant, and local wells—are under pressure due to irregular rainfall, aquifer overuse, and high tourist demand. Studies highlight the need for a stable, scalable water source to protect aquifers and improve resilience.
Project Scope
The contract covers:
- Environmental and urban planning authorisations
- Land acquisition and expropriation processes
- Technical documentation for construction tendering
The work will proceed in three phases:
- Needs assessment (3 months)
- Alternative studies (9 months)
- Preliminary project (12 months)
Future Outlook
Beyond desalination, the region is planning major water infrastructure projects, including:
- The Gibralmedina reservoir (15 million cubic metres annually, €700 million cost)
- A “water motorway” to connect Malaga city, enabling up to 500 litres per second of water transfer.
Bids for the design contract must be submitted by 16 January.
(Source: SUR in English)