The consortium consisting of GS Inima and Aquapor has been awarded the contract for designing, constructing, and operating a new desalination plant in the Algarve region. This project, slated for completion by 2026, will employ reverse osmosis technology and initially produce 16 million cubic meters of potable water annually, with the potential to increase capacity to 24 million cubic meters in the future.
Marta Verde, CEO, GS Inima, said: “We are very honored and proud to be part of this country project that will contribute to the Algarve Regional Water Efficiency Plan - Promoting sea desalination, within the framework of Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) Component. This award is a proof of our experience and commitment to offer sustainable and high-quality water solutions worldwide, reinforcing our position in the desalination sector and solving the decrease in annual rainfall, ensuring the resilience of the public supply to the population of the region.”
António Cunha, CEO, Aquapor, said: “This is a very important project for our country, so we are very proud that Aquapor can contribute to the implementation of effective and innovative solutions for better preservation of water resources.”
The contract announcement was made by Águas do Algarve, the public entity responsible for water supply and wastewater treatment in the region, coinciding with National Water Day. The organization emphasized that the Algarve has faced recurring drought cycles in recent years, leading to chronic water shortages and reduced reserves in existing water sources. This situation, monitored by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Águas de Portugal (AdP), and Águas do Algarve (AdA), has become a structural challenge for the region.
To address this ongoing issue, studies have identified seawater desalination as a key measure to enhance water production. This approach is part of a broader strategy to bolster water availability and reserves, as outlined in the Algarve's Regional Water Efficiency Plan, according to Águas do Algarve.