Marbella Desalination Plant Doubles Production Capacity
The Marbella desalination plant, located on the western Costa del Sol, has successfully completed the first phase of its expansion project. The plant’s production capacity has now increased to 12 cubic hectometres (hm3) of water, as announced by Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, the Junta de Andalucía’s spokesperson for water, on Monday 23 September. The announcement was made during a visit to the plant by Fernández-Pacheco and other key figures, including the president of the Mancomunidad association of town halls, Manuel Cardeña, Acosol CEO Matilde Mancha, and Marbella mayor Ángeles Muñoz.
Investment and Expansion of the Desalination Plant
The project, which has seen an investment of 4.3 million euros, has doubled the plant’s capacity from six to 12 hm3. The second phase of the project, which aims to further expand the plant’s operations and improve water quality, is already underway. An additional 2.9 million euros have been allocated for this phase, which is expected to increase the plant’s production capacity to 20 hm3 by the first quarter of 2025.
Meeting the Water Needs of the Costa del Sol
Fernández-Pacheco stated that the Marbella desalination plant’s production will account for 15 to 20 per cent of the Costa del Sol’s water needs. This means that the plant will not only be able to supply the local area, but also potentially transfer surplus resources to Malaga city, the Campo de Gibraltar, and the Axarquía, if necessary.
Addressing the Drought Crisis
Mayor Muñoz expressed that the facility will provide a sense of security to the Costa del Sol, especially considering the region’s reliance on water for its tourism industry and economic activities. She also highlighted that the plant will employ modern and efficient technology to produce better quality water at a lower cost, providing a solution to the region’s lack of rainfall.
Plans to Improve Water Infrastructure
In addition to the expansion of the Marbella desalination plant, Fernández-Pacheco announced plans to tender the extension and improvement of the Río Verde drinking water treatment plant (ETAP) in Marbella. The project, which is expected to cost more than 37 million euros, will modernize the infrastructure that dates back to 1972. The upgrade will not only improve the quality of the water but also double the treatment capacity from 173,000 cubic metres a day to 400,000.
