Málaga Plans New Desalination Plant near TechPark

Reinforcing Water Security for Málaga’s Technological Hub

To guarantee long-term resource resilience and sustain the rapid expansion of its technology sector, Málaga is moving forward with plans for a second brackish water desalination plant (planta desalobradora). Located in the Pilones sector, directly north of Málaga TechPark (Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía), the facility represents a pivotal addition to the city’s infrastructure strategy, alongside key mobility developments such as UMA’s planned 1,500-space parking hub near Málaga Airport.

According to technical specifications reported by Moncloa, the proposed plant will feature a maximum processing capacity of 2,160 liters per second (L/s). This high-capacity output aims to stabilize local supply networks and shield the surrounding industrial corridors from recurring drought cycles.

Key Technical Specifications

The infrastructure project targets brackish groundwater sources in the Guadalhorce valley corridor, converting lower-quality underground water into high-grade supply for urban and industrial use.

• Location: Pilones area, north of Málaga TechPark (Campanillas district)
• Treatment Capacity: 2,160 liters per second
• Target Water Type: Brackish groundwater (agua desalobradora)
• Primary Beneficiaries: Málaga TechPark expansion zones, northern industrial estates, and municipal distribution grids

Unlike standard seawater desalination facilities located on the coastline, brackish water plants operate with significantly lower energy requirements per cubic meter treated due to lower initial salinity levels. This makes the Pilones facility both cost-effective and strategically positioned near primary industrial demand nodes.

Supporting Málaga TechPark’s Expansion

Málaga TechPark currently hosts over 650 companies and more than 25,000 workers. The continuous arrival of international technology firms has placed increased emphasis on utility resilience, particularly water resources necessary for corporate campuses, facilities management, and local operational support.

Securing a dedicated hydraulic facility adjacent to the technology park provides several structural advantages:

1. Operational Risk Reduction: Decreases dependence on rainfall levels and surface reservoirs in the Guadalhorce system.
2. Industrial Scalability: Ensures utility availability keeps pace with planned commercial real estate expansions.
3. Grid Optimization: Relieves municipal pressure on central Málaga drinking water networks by decentralizing production.

Hydraulic Context and Regional Planning

Andalusia’s southern basins have prioritized non-conventional water resources to mitigate persistent hydrological stress. Brackish desalination facilities serve as a vital bridge, mobilizing underground water reserves that are otherwise unsuitable for municipal use without specialized treatment.

The integration of the Pilones plant alongside existing infrastructure in the Guadalhorce basin forms part of a broader effort to modernize Málaga’s water security network.

We look forward to seeing this essential project advance, ensuring that Málaga’s economic growth and technological ambitions are built on a durable, future-proof foundation.