The Mar de Alborán desalination plant, a long-anticipated project in Almería, has officially begun supplying water to farmers in the region. This happening is marking a significant step in addressing the severe water scarcity that has plagued the area.
Although the plant is not yet operating at full capacity, it has started producing enough water to provide much-needed relief to the agricultural sector in Níjar and Almería. This has been under immense pressure due to prolonged drought.
“A happy day”
The inauguration of the water distribution was celebrated with an official visit led by Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, the Andalucian minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. Fernández-Pacheco emphasised the importance of this development, calling it “a happy day” for the farmers who have struggled to maintain their crops in the face of dwindling water resources.
A crucial milestone in water management
The Mar de Alborán plant has taken over operations from the former Rambla Morales desalination plant. The plant’s first module is now in operation and capable of producing 5 hectometres cubed (hm³) of desalinated water annually. This water is currently being distributed via a 170 km network to 432 hectares of farmland. This is serving around 200 farmers in the region.
During the visit, the officials witnessed the first deliveries of desalinated water. These began flowing into the six storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 600,000 cubic metres. By mid-September, the plant aims to increase its daily output from 8,000 to 13,000 cubic metres.
Fernández-Pacheco highlighted that this project represents a carefully considered solution, not a hasty response. “We have been working on this plan from the beginning, ensuring that agreements between farmers and Aqualia were in place before proceeding,” he explained. “Our goal is to ensure that all farmers have the water they need to start the growing season as smoothly as possible.”
Expanding capacity and addressing future needs
The plant’s full capacity is expected to reach 20 hm³ by the next summer, pending final approval for distribution. This expanded capacity will not only benefit farmers but also provide additional water reserves for the municipalities of Almería and Níjar.
However, despite the progress with this new plant, Fernández-Pacheco expressed frustration with the national government’s lack of support in expanding and modernising other critical desalination facilities, such as the Carboneras plant. He urged the Spanish government to expedite the construction and operation of desalination projects that have been designated as works of national interest but have yet to materialise.
Andalucia’s commitment to water infrastructure
In contrast, the Andalucian government has significantly increased its investment in water infrastructure. Spending on public water works in 2024 is five times higher than in 2019. This includes over 1,000 projects across the region, making Andalucia the fastest-growing community in the use of reclaimed water. In Almería alone, water-related investments have more than doubled, from €36 million in 2022 to over €73 million in 2023.
Among these efforts is the development of the Almanzora water treatment plant. With nearly €10 million allocated this will ensure a reliable water supply for the Levante Almeriense region using water from the Tajo-Segura transfer.
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