Spain to Build Two Desalination Plants in Catalonia Amid Drought Crisis

In a significant move to counteract the impacts of the ongoing severe drought in Catalonia, Spain, the Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, met with the Catalan Climate Action Minister, David Mascort, in Barcelona to announce the construction of two new desalination plants.

These plants, set to be operational by 2028 and 2029, signify a pivotal step towards ensuring a reliable water supply amidst increasing drought conditions.

The collaboration between the Spanish government and the Catalan regional government underscores a joint effort to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.

The meeting between Ministers Ribera and Mascort discussed solutions to mitigate the drought’s effects, affecting over 200 municipalities, including the metropolitan area of Barcelona.

The planned desalination plants, valued at approximately £430 million, will expand upon the current infrastructure in Tordera, Girona, and establish a new facility on the Foix River in Cubelles, Barcelona.

These developments, funded by the state-owned company Acuamed, will also feature photovoltaic installations to reduce operational costs, highlighting the commitment to sustainable and renewable energy sources.

Additionally, Ribera announced a short-term measure involving water shipments from the underutilized Sagunto desalination plant starting June.

This interim solution, supported by both the Spanish state and the Catalan government, is aimed at addressing the immediate water shortages while the desalination plants are under construction.

The efforts to utilize sustainable technologies and renewable energy in combating drought illustrate a proactive approach toward environmental conservation and climate resilience.

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