The industrial water market is evolving rapidly, driven by the critical need to ensure sustainable water supply in key sectors such as mining, agriculture and energy. In Europe and Latin America, several large-scale industrial projects are leading the transformation of the sector, focusing on desalination, wastewater treatment and water reuse for industrial applications. Below, we explore some of the most notable projects, highlighting key players such as end-users and EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction).
Industrial Water Production Projects in Europe
1. Torrevieja Desalination Project, Spain
End User: ACUAMED (Aguas de las Cuencas Mediterráneas)
EPC: Acciona Agua and Tedagua
La planta desalinizadora de Torrevieja, en Alicante, es una de las más grandes de Europa, con una capacidad de producción de 80 hectómetros cúbicos anuales de agua potable. Este proyecto se enfoca en satisfacer la demanda de agua en sectores urbanos, agrícolas y turísticos, utilizando tecnología avanzada de ósmosis inversa. Este tipo de infraestructura es crucial para la sostenibilidad hídrica en la región mediterránea, una de las más afectadas por la escasez de agua.
2. Aarhus Wastewater Treatment Plant, Denmark
End User: Aarhus Vand
EPC: Krüger A/S (part of Veolia Water Technologies)
This plant is a pioneer in wastewater management and renewable energy generation. It is considered a benchmark in efficiency, as it generates more energy than it consumes. This project is essential to ensure the supply of clean water and renewable energy to the city of Aarhus, becoming a model to follow in Europe and other parts of the world in terms of sustainable water management.
3. Reuse of Industrial Water in Rhône-Alpes, France
End User: Solvay y Sanofi
EPC: SUEZ
In the Rhône-Alpes region, several industrial companies have joined forces to implement water reuse systems, particularly in sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The project aims to reduce fresh water consumption by purifying and reusing water used in industrial processes. This approach is key to improving water sustainability in a region with high industrial activity.
Industrial Water Production Projects in Latin America
1. Escondida Mining Project, Chile
End User: BHP
EPC: Bechtel in colaboration with IDE Technologies
The Escondida desalination plant, located in the Atacama Desert, is one of the largest in the world, with a production capacity of 2,500 liters per second. This project is essential for the sustainability of mining operations in one of the most arid regions on the planet, where water is an extremely scarce resource. Desalination has become a crucial solution to guarantee the long-term supply of water in the mining industry.
2. Los Cabos Desalination Plant, Baja California, Mexico
End User: Organismo Operador Municipal del Sistema de Agua Potable, Alcantarillado y Saneamiento de Los Cabos (OOMSAPAS Los Cabos)
EPC: Acciona and La Peninsular Compañía Constructora
The Los Cabos desalination project will ensure the supply of drinking water to more than 150,000 people in Baja California Sur, through a plant that will produce 250 liters per second using reverse osmosis technology. This project will relieve pressure on the region's aquifers, supporting both residents and key sectors such as tourism and agriculture. In addition, the plant integrates sustainable solutions, such as efficient brine management and the use of solar energy, minimizing its environmental impact and contributing to the economic and sustainable development of Los Cabos.
3. Jaguar Project, Brazil
End User: Suzano (previously Fibria Celulose)
EPC: Andritz
The Jaguar Project in Brazil is an innovative example of water reuse and treatment in the pulp and paper sector. This project allows industrial plants to recycle the water used in their operations, significantly reducing freshwater consumption and ensuring the sustainability of the industry. In a country like Brazil, where water management is crucial for economic development, these types of projects are essential to maintain the balance between industrial production and the conservation of water resources.
Conclusion
The water market for industrial projects is driven by the need to ensure a safe and sustainable supply of water in critical sectors. In both Europe and Latin America, desalination, wastewater treatment and water reuse projects are leading the transformation of the sector, with the participation of major companies such as BHP, ACUAMED, Aarhus Vand, Suzano and Solvay. These projects, executed by leading EPCs such as Acciona Agua, Bechtel, SUEZ and Andritz, are setting a new standard for sustainable water management in the industrial field.
Continued investment in innovative and sustainable infrastructure will be key to meeting global water challenges, ensuring that both businesses and communities have access to this essential resource in the long term.
Comments