El coste energético de la desalinización en el Programa A.G.U.A.

Energy Cost of Desalination in the A.G.U.A. Program Water Policy was reoriented in 2005, after Ebro Water Transfer abolition, to meet new water needs in the Mediterranean area through desalination. This policy has focused on a series of measures across the program called AGUA (Measures for the Management and Use of Water, in Spanish acronym). This Program has materialized in the construction of 16 new desalination plants with an average production about 350 Mm 3 . At least 6 of these plants covers part of the water needs to 244,000 ha, with an average water production about 155.37 Mm 3 . In 2008, Average water production cost was estimated about € 0.8634. Energy costs suppose nearly 52% of operating and maintenance costs, and 39% of total cost (€ 0.3373). This cost was estimated from a low cost energy (0.08 €/kwh). In 2012, energy prices are located at 0.14 €/kwh, about 65% up from the estimated in 2008. This energy fare increase supposes a water average cost increase about € 0.21.