Javier Nieto: “ACCIONA stands out for a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation”
Javier Nieto, ACCIONA’s Business Development Director for Water, is a key player in transforming the global water sector. An industrial engineer from ICAI with an Executive MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, Nieto has led projects in key markets like Saudi Arabia, where ACCIONA currently has a strong presence, and has been responsible for developing and implementing innovative solutions in desalination and wastewater treatment across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
With a career marked by involvement in some of the world’s most emblematic desalination plants, such as Beckton in London, Adelaide in Australia, and Fujairah and Jebel Ali in the UAE, Nieto now faces new challenges in his role at ACCIONA. In this interview, we discuss the company’s strategic changes, the role of technological innovation in water management, and the challenges posed by expanding into new markets in an environment increasingly focused on sustainability and the circular economy.
With Manuel Manjón's recent appointment as CEO of the Water Business and your recent entry into Business Development, what strategic changes is ACCIONA experiencing in its approach to the water sector?
As Manuel has already mentioned in a previous interview, his strategy will continue the course set by his predecessor, José Díaz-Caneja. We will continue to deepen our commitment to technological innovation and sustainability, which is reshaping how we tackle global water sector challenges. We will strengthen our presence in strategic markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where demand for innovative and sustainable water management solutions is growing. Our goal is to solidify our position as leaders in desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse projects, tailoring our approach to the specific needs of each region.
We aim to strengthen our position as leaders in desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse projects
Ultimately, these changes align with our mission to be a global leader in sustainable water management while continuing to innovate solutions that address the major challenges of climate change and water resource scarcity.
From your perspective, how do you expect the relationship between technological development and sustainability to evolve within ACCIONA’s strategies in the coming years?
Technology will be key to advancing our sustainability goals, enabling us to implement innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and optimize water resource use. We will adopt technologies that not only improve operational efficiency but also minimize our water footprint, while continuing to develop technologies that promote responsible water management and support our sustainability objectives.
ACCIONA has a significant international presence. Which markets will be most attractive to the company in the coming years, and how do you identify new opportunities in emerging markets or regions with critical water needs?
ACCIONA has solidified its presence in key international markets, and our goal is to continue growing in regions where water management needs are critical and where we can add value with our innovative and sustainable solutions. One of the most attractive markets for us in the coming years is, undoubtedly, Australia — a key market not only for ACCIONA's water division but also for the group as a whole. Water scarcity and extreme weather events like droughts and floods have placed Australia in a critical situation regarding water resource management. This context offers a great opportunity for our advanced solutions in desalination, wastewater treatment, and reuse.
Of course, the Middle East, where we already have a strong presence, remains crucial. In this region, water scarcity is a structural challenge, and demand for advanced desalination and wastewater treatment technologies continues to grow exponentially. We have a solid foothold in the region with major projects such as the desalination plants in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Our objective is to keep expanding in regions where water management needs are critical, and we can add value
Additionally, we see enormous potential in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries where access to drinking water is limited. The combination of population growth, urbanization, and climate vulnerability makes this region very attractive for ACCIONA. Here, wastewater reuse and water optimization in urban, agricultural, and industrial environments are key to ensuring a sustainable supply.
Latin America is another strategic market. Many of the region’s major cities face issues with outdated water infrastructure and an increasing demand for water treatment and management solutions. Countries like Chile and Brazil offer significant opportunities in both drinking water infrastructure projects and wastewater treatment.
ACCIONA’s approach is always focused on providing sustainable value. We are not just looking for business growth but also aiming to improve the quality of life in the communities where we operate, offering solutions that protect the environment and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
What challenges does ACCIONA see in expanding to new regions, particularly in emerging markets, regarding regulation, infrastructure, and access to water resources?
Expanding into new markets, especially in emerging ones, presents various challenges, including regulatory frameworks, which are often one of the most significant obstacles, as regulations are frequently unstable. This requires close collaboration with local governments and partners to ensure compliance and adaptability to changes. In terms of infrastructure, many regions lack adequate water networks or have very outdated systems, complicating the implementation of advanced technologies. Often, we must not only build new solutions but also improve existing infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, we believe emerging markets offer a great opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to more sustainable water management.
ACCIONA has been involved in innovative projects such as desalination and wastewater treatment. Is there an iconic project currently underway or soon to be announced that you can share details about?
We are working intensively with EWEC in Abu Dhabi to secure the concession for the Saadiyat Island desalination plant, which we hope to announce by the end of the year. Recently, we also won a concession to manage the wastewater network in the western Paraná region of Brazil, where we will provide services to 48 municipalities over the next 24 years.
In recent years, there has been a strong emphasis on the circular economy and water reuse. How is ACCIONA addressing this, and what notable projects do you have in this area?
The circular economy and water reuse are fundamental pillars of our sustainability strategy. At ACCIONA, we understand that water should not be a single-use resource but rather reused and maximized, minimizing waste and reducing demand on natural sources.
Along these lines, we are implementing projects that integrate advanced wastewater treatment and reuse technologies in key sectors such as agriculture and urban use. For instance, our wastewater treatment plant in Atotonilco, Mexico — one of the largest globally — processes large volumes of wastewater for reuse in agricultural irrigation and other applications.
We will continue to focus on technological innovation and sustainability, which is redefining how we tackle challenges in the sector
Additionally, in water-scarce regions of Spain, like Murcia, we combine desalination with wastewater reuse to maximize resource efficiency. These projects not only reduce potable water consumption but also minimize environmental impact and contribute to water resilience in vulnerable areas.
Technological innovation is key to driving this transition towards a circular economy, and we will continue to develop solutions that optimize water use across all sectors, aligned with our mission to protect the environment and promote a more sustainable future.
Digitalization is becoming a key factor in optimizing water management. What role does digital innovation play in ACCIONA's service offerings, and how are you implementing these technologies in integrated water cycle management?
Digitalization is essential to ACCIONA’s integrated water cycle management. We use various technologies to monitor real-time data, optimize water usage, and improve operational efficiency in our plants. These tools allow us to prevent issues, reduce costs, and enhance infrastructure maintenance. We are also implementing technologies for leak detection, which reduces water loss and conserves resources. In short, digitalization helps us manage water more efficiently and sustainably.
Within the framework of the Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) in Spain, what are the most relevant projects in which ACCIONA is involved?
ACCIONA is currently executing €9 million in investments under the first PERTE funding package, where progress is advancing at a good pace. As a “demo” project, ours provides a solution based on digital synergies focused on knowledge and information of the integrated water cycle.
For the second call for proposals, ACCIONA presented a project of similar scale and scope, exclusively targeting the Murcia region. We chose Murcia for this proposal because we believe it is an ideal location, given its notable water stress, heavy reliance on desalination for supply, and significant pressure on water bodies due to intensive agricultural and tourism activities.
How are these projects contributing to the transformation of the water sector in Spain?
Australia presents a great opportunity for our advanced solutions in desalination, wastewater treatment, and reuse
At ACCIONA, we understand that PERTE projects will be transformative for the sector in areas that initially may not seem directly related. We believe that the transparency and information that PERTE seeks will enable more efficient public policies. In other words, it’s not only about doing more with less, but about doing it better. We see operational digitalization as a way to anticipate issues, improve service reliability and quality, increase resilience to future climate events, and reduce their potential impact.
In terms of innovation, what role does research and development (R&D) play in ACCIONA’s water business?
Innovation is a fundamental pillar for our company, permeating all areas. Our Innovation department defines future guidelines to maintain ACCIONA’s leadership in the water sector.
Are you exploring new technologies or disruptive methods in water management?
At ACCIONA’s Water Technology Center in Barcelona, we are constantly exploring new technologies to improve water management and treatment plant efficiency. We focus on innovations like advanced treatments, digitalization, and artificial intelligence to optimize processes, as well as sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact. We are also researching new materials, such as more efficient membranes, all with the aim of staying at the forefront of the water sector with sustainable and technological approaches.
In an increasingly competitive global environment, what sets ACCIONA apart from other major water sector companies?
In a global and highly competitive market, ACCIONA stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation across all projects and business areas. Our company combines advanced technologies with an integrated approach to the water cycle, providing efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Our global experience is complemented by a deep local knowledge of the countries where we operate, allowing for precise adaptations to each market. Additionally, ACCIONA focuses not only on technology but also on having a positive social impact, improving the quality of life in the communities where we operate. This comprehensive and responsible approach positions ACCIONA as an innovative and sustainable leader in the water sector. Moreover, our people play a crucial role in the company's success and differentiation.
Finally, how do you see the future of the water sector in the next five to ten years? What major changes do you anticipate in the market, and how is ACCIONA preparing to face them?
Given global water scarcity and sustainability challenges, we will likely see a mega-trend of investment in water infrastructure over the coming years. It will be a global movement where the water sector will likely face the highest demand for projects in its history. ACCIONA is preparing by investing in innovative technologies and adapting its strategies to capitalize on these emerging opportunities.