Sacyr Agua formalizes Chile's first concessioned desalination plant with an investment of 318 million dollars

 

Sacyr Agua has formalized the awarding of the first desalination plant concession in Chile This April 2025. The project in CoquimboWith an investment of $318 million, it seeks to mitigate water scarcity and ensure regional human consumption.

 

Strategic investment and operational capacity

 

The project, promoted by Dirección General de Concesiones of the Ministerio de Obras Públicas (MOPThis represents a milestone in water resource management in the country. This infrastructure is fundamental to addressing the prolonged drought which affects the north of Chile, guaranteeing access to drinking water in the municipalities of La Serena y Coquimbo.

 

The contract includes not only the construction of the plant, but also a desalination water pumping network approximately 20 kilometers long, pumping stations and a regulating pond to optimize the distribution of the resource.

 

Concept	Project Details
Estimated investment	318 million
Beneficiary population	More than 540.000 people
Initial capacity	800 liters per second (l/s)
Maximum projected capacity	1.200 liters per second (l/s)
Location	Region of Coquimbo, Chile

 

Commitment to sustainability and employment

 

“This initiative constitutes a key step in the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure to address the effects of climate change and water scarcity. We are proud to have been awarded this project and to contribute innovative solutions that will generate a positive and long-term impact on communities,” he emphasized. Lucas de Marcos de la Torre, director of Sacyr Agua en Chile.

 

In addition to the plant in CoquimboThe company maintains a strong presence in the area of Antofagasta. There, Sacyr Agua operates wastewater treatment and is planning a new plant in the Salar del Carmenan initiative that will generate more than 500 jobs live shows in the region.

 

 

Consolidation of international presence

 

Sacyr It began operations in the Chilean market in 1996. Since then, it has diversified its asset portfolio, currently operating in 14 of the country's 16 regions. Its business structure in the region is divided into three fundamental pillars:

 

• Concessions: Management of 11 road routes and 5 airports.
• Engineering and Infrastructure: Development of highly complex projects.
• Water and Health: Operation of 5 healthcare plants and 7 hospitals in different phases.

 

With more than 4.100 direct jobs created, the multinational reaffirms its position as a strategic player in the internationalization of services and the development of critical public works for social welfare.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Coquimbo desalination plant

 

What impact will the plant have on the local population?

The plant will directly benefit more than 540.000 inhabitants of La Serena y Coquimbo, guaranteeing the supply of drinking water in the face of the climate crisis.

 

What is the water production capacity?

It will start with a production of 800 liters per second, although the design allows for a technical expansion up to 1.200 liters per second.

 

How important is this award model?

It is the first desalination plant for human consumption under the concession model of MOP, which sets a precedent in the public-private financing and management of water in Chile.