Desalination is emerging as a key solution to the water scarcity affecting numerous regions, particularly Mediterranean and island areas. This technology has become essential to address the increasing demand and recurring droughts in Spain , where the need for efficient and sustainable solutions is ever-growing.
In recent weeks, several initiatives and plans related to desalination have been at the center of the debate on water management in various administrations and productive sectors. The implementation of new projects in the Balearic Islands, along with the strengthening of existing infrastructure and international partnerships, demonstrates the strategic importance of this technology for guaranteeing supply and adapting to scenarios of reduced water availability.
New desalination plants in the Balearic Islands: priorities and challenges
The Balearic Water Agency (ABAQUA) has begun the process of contracting technical assistance to plan three new desalination plants in Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. This strategic initiative is backed by a budget of up to €3,5 million, funded by the Sustainable Tourism Tax. The main objective is to strengthen the water supply in areas with structural difficulties accessing drinking water , due to the overexploitation of aquifers and the poor quality of the resource in several regions.
Each facility will have an estimated capacity of 15.000 cubic meters per day , adapting to the specific needs of each island:
- MallorcaIt will be located in the Levante region, where overexploitation and aquifer degradation require structural solutions. The new plant will expand the high-pressure network and strengthen supply to affected municipalities.
- MenorcaThe project will be located in Levante, to address the high nitrate content in the aquifers, especially in Maó, Es Castell and Sant LluÃs.
- IbizaDespite having three desalination plants, adverse weather conditions have put pressure on underground resources. The future facility, located in the west of the island, will increase capacity and facilitate less dependence on aquifers and water transfers, as well as allow for preventative maintenance of the system.
The technical assistance will cover site alternatives, definition of seawater intakes, hydraulic connections, and environmental documentation for permit processing. One of the main challenges will be minimizing the environmental impact of the brine and leveraging the proximity of the electricity and distribution networks, adapting the locations and connections efficiently.
Desalination and water management: adapted responses to climate pressure
Authorities and specialists emphasize the need to transform the water management model through efficiency measures, reuse, and loss reduction in the networks, with clear objectives to decrease leaks. Joan Calafat, Director General of Water Resources, highlights the increase in the contribution of desalinated water in the Balearic Islands, which has risen from 20% in 2024 to a projected 25% in 2025. For more information on management strategies, you can consult the water security section for Spain and Chile.
Infrastructure such as the Alcudia desalination plant already supplies water as far away as Palma, highlighting the pressure on traditional systems and the need to strengthen the interconnection and expansion of distribution networks. Furthermore, the expansion and improvement of existing plants and the extension of the high-water network are planned to reach more municipalities and reduce dependence on aquifers in critical condition due to nitrates or salinization.
The projected demand indicates that new infrastructure investments and system efficiency improvements will be necessary, along with a shift in financing through contributions from the Sustainable Tourism Tax and the sanitation levy. There is also a commitment to combining desalination with water reuse for agricultural irrigation and aquifer recharge.
Innovation and sustainability in new projects
The future of the sector lies in integrating technological innovation and sustainability at all levels . From design and construction to operation and maintenance, new projects aim to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact by incorporating renewable energy, smart management systems, and circular economy models. To better understand the applications of sustainable technologies, you can visit Solvatten and learn about solar water purification.
An example of applied innovation is the research led by the Environmental HUB at the University of Playa Ancha in Chile, in collaboration with the University of Alicante and the multinational company Sacyr. This project has demonstrated the feasibility of using brackish coastal aquifers for desalination, which could reduce energy costs and the volume of brine produced , benefiting both the environment and the local economy.
The development of protocols and solutions for installing desalination plants in new basins aims to address the water crisis in a comprehensive and sustainable manner, with the participation of both the public and private sectors. Adapting the technology to local conditions and facilitating international knowledge transfer are key to expanding the reach of these solutions.
International leadership and opportunities in foreign markets
Spain maintains a leading global position in desalination capacity and technology exports . Spanish companies play a significant role in markets like Oman, where reliance on water treatment technologies creates opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of advanced solutions.
The Spanish offering includes the design, construction, and operation of plants, as well as the supply of components and digital management systems, establishing itself as a benchmark in BOT and PPP projects. The international market is increasingly demanding automation, energy efficiency, and advanced treatment technologies, in which the Spanish industry has excelled.
Furthermore, the strengthening of infrastructure in provinces like AlmerÃa demonstrates how desalination is a key tool for addressing water transfer disruptions and preventing the collapse of agricultural supply. Plant repairs and expansions, along with new tenders, aim to increase capacity and offer greater stability to areas vulnerable to climate variability.
The desalination sector continues to evolve thanks to the incorporation of new technologies, a commitment to sustainability, and the international expansion of its players. Advances in research, projects in the Balearic Islands, and international contracts reinforce its role as a key component of the strategy to combat climate change and ensure efficient water management.