Summary
- The Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS) has tendered contracts for pre-project designs of two new seawater desalination plants.
- The projects aim to increase guaranteed water supply by 150 hm³ annually – 100 hm³ for the left bank and 50 hm³ for the right bank of the Tajo-Segura post-transfer system.
- Infrastructure will connect to existing reservoirs and desalination plants, including the Pedrera reservoir and Torrevieja and Águilas desalination plants.
- Each plant will include saltwater intake and brine discharge systems, plus photovoltaic plants for lasting energy supply.
- The combined budget for both pre-projects is approximately €1.84 million,with a 12-month execution period.
- these developments support the goals of the current Segura basin Hydrological Plan to improve water security and reduce overexploitation of aquifers.
CHS Initiates Planning for Two New Desalination plants to Strengthen Water Security in the segura Basin
The Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS) has officially launched the tender for technical specifications to design pre-projects for the construction of two new seawater desalination plants. These new facilities aim to increase water supply reliability for irrigation users served by the Tajo-Segura post-transfer system, which manages water distribution through the left and right bank canals.
Boosting Water Supply: Key Figures and Objectives
Upon completion,the desalination plants will significantly boost the volume of guaranteed water available to irrigation users:
| Canal Bank | Annual Increase in Water Supply (hm³) |
|---|---|
| Left Bank (Margen Izquierda) | 100 hm³ |
| Right Bank (Margen Derecha) | 50 hm³ |
Besides reinforcing water availability,these developments aim to alleviate the pressure on aquifers by providing alternative water resources. This is particularly meaningful as many users connected to these canals rely heavily on groundwater, leading to overexploitation in certain areas.
Infrastructure Integration and Sustainability Focus
The new desalination plants will be designed with critically important connectivity considerations:
- Left bank Desalination Plant: Will connect to the Pedrera reservoir and incorporate infrastructure allowing water transfer from both the new plant and the existing Torrevieja desalination plant (IDAM de Torrevieja).
- Right Bank Desalination Plant: will analyze the connection possibilities with the existing Águilas desalination plant (IDAM de Águilas).
Both facilities will include saltwater intake systems and brine discharge pipelines, alongside complementary works such as pumping stations, water conduits, electrical evacuation lines, and intermediate regulation reservoirs (balsas). To ensure sustainability and reduce carbon footprint, photovoltaic plants will also be installed to power these new infrastructures.
Project Scope and budget
The tender is divided into two lots:
| Lot | Description | Budget (€ including VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 | Pre-project for right bank desalination plant | 876,083.79 |
| Lot 2 | Pre-project for left bank desalination plant | 960,662.58 |
the total budget amounts to approximately €1,836,746.37, with each lot having a 12-month deadline for completion. The tasks cover all necessary phases,including environmental,technical,and administrative viability studies,the drafting of the pre-projects,and environmental evaluations in line with current legislation.
Supporting the Segura Basin hydrological Plan
These desalination projects are key measures outlined in the current Plan Hidrológico de la Demarcación Hidrográfica del Segura, which received wide support from stakeholders at the Water Council (Consejo del Agua). The strategic plan focuses on enhancing water security by diversifying sources and protecting aquifers from overuse.
By leveraging renewable energy and connecting to existing infrastructures, the CHS aims to create a resilient and sustainable water management system that meets future demands while preserving aquifer health.
Looking Ahead
As climate change and population growth continue to pressure water resources in southeastern Spain, investments in desalination and integrated water infrastructure remain vital. The upcoming pre-project studies by CHS represent a proactive step toward securing reliable irrigation water supplies and balancing resource management in the Segura Basin.
Stakeholders, users, and environmental groups alike will be watching closely as the designs develop in the next year.
Sources: