GS Inima and Aquapor Win Contract to Build Algarve Desalination Plant

The consortium of GS Inima and Aquapor has secured the contract to design, build, and operate a desalination plant in Portugal’s Algarve region. Scheduled for completion by 2026, the facility will use reverse osmosis technology to initially produce 16 million cubic metres of potable water annually, with future expansion planned to increase capacity to 24 million cubic metres.

We are honoured to be part of this national project, which contributes to the Algarve Regional Water Efficiency Plan and aligns with Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). This contract reflects our expertise and commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality water solutions globally, ensuring the resilience of public water supply in the region.

Marta Verde, CEO of GS Inima

António Cunha, CEO of Aquapor, remarked, “This is a crucial project for Portugal, and we are proud to contribute to the implementation of innovative solutions that help preserve water resources.”

The announcement by Águas do Algarve, the regional entity managing water supply and wastewater treatment, came on National Water Day. They highlighted the ongoing drought challenges in the Algarve, which have led to chronic water shortages and dwindling reserves in traditional sources. These concerns, monitored by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and other authorities, have become a structural problem for the region.

Seawater desalination was identified as a vital strategy to boost water supply, as outlined in the Algarve’s Regional Water Efficiency Plan. This project represents a significant step towards improving water availability and ensuring long-term sustainability for the area.