Spain Pledges $502M for Desalination Plants Amid Catalonia Drought

In response to the severe three-year drought affecting Catalonia, the Spanish government has committed to investing 467 million euros ($502 million) in the construction of two desalination plants along the Catalan coast. This initiative aims to bolster the region's water supply, particularly in and around Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city.

The Environment Ministry revealed on Monday that these plants, located to the north and south of Barcelona, are expected to significantly enhance the area's water resources.

With a combined annual capacity to treat 80 million cubic meters (21 billion gallons) of water, these facilities represent a crucial step forward in addressing the water scarcity issues plaguing Catalonia.

The drought has brought Catalonia's reservoirs to a critical low, currently at 16% capacity. This situation is particularly dire considering the time of year when rainfall typically replenishes water reserves. In response, local authorities have imposed restrictions on water usage among residents to conserve the dwindling supply.

Additionally, Ribera announced a temporary measure to alleviate the immediate water shortage. The government and local water utilities have arranged for the daily shipment of up to 40,000 cubic meters of desalinated water from a plant in Sagunto, located in the Valencia region, to the affected areas.

This investment in desalination technology underscores Spain's proactive approach to managing its water resources amid changing climatic conditions. By expanding its capacity to convert seawater into freshwater, Spain aims to mitigate the impact of droughts and ensure a sustainable water supply for its citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions like Catalonia.