Spain’s Acuamed has awarded a joint venture, comprising Sacyr Water (40%), Sacyr Construction (10%), Cadagua, Ferrovial’s water unit (40%), and Ferrovial Construction (10%), a €89.5 million contract to expand, operate, and maintain the Torrevieja desalination plant in Alicante over a four-year period, according to a Sacyr press release.
The project aims to increase the plant’s desalinated water output by 50%, from the current 80 hm³ per year to 120 hm³. The comprehensive contract includes not only the expansion but also the operation and maintenance of the facility for four years. This initiative will effectively double the seawater collection and pumping capacity in the western dock of the Port of Torrevieja. A new 5,000 sqm warehouse will be constructed to house advanced reverse osmosis desalination systems.
Key activities under the contract include:
- Construction of a new warehouse: A nearly 5,000 sqm facility will be built to accommodate new osmosis equipment and an electrical room, including the installation of five new racks with energy recovery systems and PX isobaric chambers.
- Expansion of seawater catchment systems: Two new catchment systems will be added to enhance seawater intake.
- Increased seawater pumping capacity: The pumping systems will be upgraded to support the increased water throughput.
- Modification of CO2 dosing system: Adjustments will be made to pressurize permeate water before CO2 dosing.
- Expansion of treated water pumping station: Enhancements at the EBI plant and the second EBII step will feature three new pumps and an anti-ram tank.
The expanded facility is expected to significantly bolster the water supply for the Mancomunidad de Canales del Taibilla population and provide vital irrigation support for the agricultural fields in Campo de Cartagena.