Summary
- Energy costs for the Torrevieja desalination plant are set to increase by 7.9% in 2026, reaching €40.7 million.
- The plant’s production exceeds its initial limit of 80 hectometers annually, reaching 83.6 hectometers in 2023-24.
- Rising energy prices and increased water demand drive higher operational costs and production volumes.
- The desalinated water primarily supports agriculture in Murcia (77%) and Alicante (20%), with farmers receiving subsidies.
- State-run company Acuamed manages the energy contracts for several Mediterranean desalination and water pumping facilities totaling €161 million annually.
Energy Costs Rise for Europe’s Largest Desalination Plant in Torrevieja
The Torrevieja desalination plant,known as europe’s largest,is facing a significant rise in energy costs that will directly impact agricultural water supply in southeastern Spain. According to Acuamed, the state-owned company managing the facility, electricity costs for running the plant will climb from €37.7 million in 2025 to an estimated €40.7 million in 2026 – a 7.9% increase that reflects growing energy prices and increased water production.
Why Are Energy Costs Increasing?
- Rising energy prices: Market fluctuations have pushed electricity prices higher across Spain and the Mediterranean region.
- Higher water production: The plant is currently operating above its original limit of 80 hectometers per year, reaching 83.6 hectometers during the 2023-24 hydrological year.
- Increased demand: Agricultural irrigation needs continue to grow,particularly due to uncertainties in alternative water sources such as the Tajo-Segura transfer and aquifers.
This trend is not new; energy expenses already surpassed €50 million in 2022 amid the height of the energy crisis.
Impact on Agriculture and Water Supply
The desalinated water produced at Torrevieja is fully allocated for agricultural irrigation:
| Region | Percentage of Total Water Supplied |
|---|---|
| Region of Murcia | 77% |
| Alicante | 20% |
| Almería | 3% |
Farmers pay approximately €0.327 per cubic meter for this water. Thanks to government subsidies directed through the Central Irrigators’ Union of the Tajo-Segura Aqueduct, these water fees are kept affordable until at least 2033.
However, the agricultural sector finds itself in a paradox: while rejecting alternative water sources like aquifers and transfers, it relies heavily on the desalinated water due to its availability and government support. Despite this, farmers remain concerned about the sustainability of this solution, mainly because of rising energy costs that threaten its economic viability in future years.
Acuamed’s Broader Energy Contract in the Mediterranean
Acuamed annually tender outs a sizable electricity supply contract covering multiple desalination plants and pumping stations along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. This includes facilities in Águilas, Dalías, Moncófar, Sagunto, Carboneras, and infrastructure raising over 25 hectometers annually of Júcar water in Valencia. Combined, this contract totals around €161 million per year, with roughly 65% of energy costs covered by the central Spanish government and the remainder by farmers through tariffs.
What’s Next?
With water demand rising and energy prices expected to remain volatile, the desalination plant’s role in supporting agriculture appears set to grow. Yet, this reliance also highlights challenges around cost-efficiency and long-term sustainability amid global energy pressures.
Industry experts suggest that balancing water production targets with energy use efficiency will be key to ensuring reliable, affordable irrigation water for southeastern Spain’s farms in the years ahead.
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