Spain’s Acuamed has awarded the joint venture comprising Sacyr Water (40%), Sacyr Construction (10%), Cadagua, Ferrovial’s water unit (40%), and Ferrovial Construction (10%) the contract to expand, operate and maintain Alicante’s Torrevieja desalination plant for €89.5 million over a four-year period, according to a Sacyr press release.
The objective of this project is to increase the plant’s desalinated water output by 50%, from the current 80 hm³ per year to 120 hm³.
The comprehensive contract covers not only the expansion but also the operation and maintenance of the facility for a four-year period. This initiative will effectively double the seawater collection and pumping capacity in the western dock of the Port of Torrevieja. A key element of the upgrade includes constructing a new 5,000 sqm warehouse, which will house advanced reverse osmosis desalination systems.
Key activities under the contract involve:
- Construction of a new warehouse: A nearly 5,000 sqm facility will be built to accommodate new osmosis equipment and an electrical room. This will include the installation of five new racks with energy recovery systems and PX isobaric chambers.
- Expansion of seawater catchment systems: The project will add two new catchment systems to enhance the seawater intake.
- Increased seawater pumping capacity: Upgrading the pumping systems 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, each featuring 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.
