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Three Solutions for the Desalination Plant between Odemira and Sines

01/06/2024

The Association of Horticulturists, Fruit Growers, and Florists of the Municipalities of Odemira and Aljezur (AHSA) has released the results of a preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a desalination plant in the Mira Irrigation Perimeter.

Sol2H2O_Odemira_Sines

The Association of Horticulturists, Fruit Growers, and Florists of the Municipalities of Odemira and Aljezur (AHSA) has released the results of a preliminary feasibility study for the construction of a desalination plant in the Mira Irrigation Perimeter. This project, which explores three possible locations between Odemira and Sines, aims to address the severe water shortage and ensure the continuity of agricultural projects in the region.

The study, conducted by the company ADAN, highlights the “deterioration and limitation of supply” of the Santa Clara dam, the only water source in the area. Currently, the dam only guarantees water for another four to five years, considering an annual agricultural consumption of 12 million cubic meters and an annual rainfall of 350mm.

Given the severity of the situation and unfavorable weather forecasts, the study recommends the installation of a land-based desalination plant and a reservoir integrated into the network of the Association of Mira Beneficiaries (ABM). AHSA, led by Luís Mesquita Dias, warns that the failure to implement the project could lead to an economic, social, and environmental crisis in the region, significantly impacting agriculture and risking about 10,000 direct jobs and 300 million euros in agricultural exports.

The first proposed scenario envisages the construction of a desalination plant near the coast of the municipality of Odemira, within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park (PNSACV), but outside the Coastal Zone Program (POC) area. This location would allow the use of the region’s natural resources, although it would require stringent environmental care and proper licensing.

Another possibility analyzed is the use of the desalination station planned for Sines. This option includes the construction of a desalinated water pipeline that would transport the water to Odemira, either by sea or land, to a balancing reservoir that would need to be built.

A third scenario considered is the construction of the desalination plant in Odemira, but about three kilometers from the coast, outside the Natural Park, with an integrated land-based station.

The study, which lasted six months, concludes that “the three evaluated scenarios are technically feasible but depend on obtaining additional information, such as the involvement of the private sector and the state, funding sources like the PRR, and the commitment of farmers.”

Source: www.publico.pt/2024/05/29/azul/noticia/costa-alentejana-arrisca-falencia-economica-social-ambiental-dessalinizadora-2092268