Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of August 31, 2026, from the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment — Environmental Impact Declaration of the photovoltaic solar plant linked to the Valdelentisco desalination facility, Cartagena-Mazarrón (Murcia) |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | September 9, 2026 |
| Entry into force | September 9, 2026 |
| Promoter | ACUAMED (Waters of the Mediterranean Basins) |
| Substantive body | Directorate General of Water — MITECO |
| Environmental body | Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment — MITECO |
| Installed capacity | 54 MWp |
| Area occupied | 92.60 ha |
| Photovoltaic modules | 78,840 units |
| Evacuation line | 30 kV, underground, 7,764 m to existing substation |
| Energy coverage | ~35% of the expanded desalination facility's consumption |
| Category | Energy / Water Resources |
| Planning framework | Hydrological Plan of the Segura Demarcation 2022-2027 |
The Valdelentisco desalination facility, located between the municipalities of Cartagena and Mazarrón, takes a decisive step toward energy autonomy: with the approval of its environmental impact declaration, the associated photovoltaic solar plant can begin its construction process. The resolution, signed on August 31, 2026, and published in the BOE of September 9, 2026, clears the main administrative hurdle for the project.
The most relevant data for those who depend on desalinated water: the plant will generate enough energy to cover approximately 35% of the desalination facility's electrical consumption once expanded, reducing the energy bill that directly impacts the price of irrigation water.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution formulates the Environmental Impact Declaration (EID) of the project "Valdelentisco Desalination Facility. Photovoltaic solar plant, in Cartagena-Mazarrón (Murcia)". The EID is the administrative act that, following environmental assessment, authorizes or conditions the execution of a project of this nature. Without it, construction cannot begin.
The technical elements of the approved project are as follows:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type of installation | Photovoltaic solar plant for self-consumption linked to hydraulic infrastructure |
| Peak power | 54 MWp |
| Number of modules | 78,840 photovoltaic panels |
| Area | 92.60 ha |
| Electrical evacuation | Underground 30 kV line with 7,764 m length to existing substation |
| Energy destination | Self-consumption of the expanded Valdelentisco desalination facility |
| Energy coverage | Approximately 35% of the expanded desalination facility's electrical consumption |
| Final water use | Irrigation in the Segura Hydrographic Demarcation |
A relevant aspect from an administrative perspective: during the process, a jurisdictional dispute between two MITECO directorates general occurred regarding who should act as the substantive body. It was resolved by determining that the main activity is the hydraulic work, so jurisdiction fell to the Directorate General of Water, while environmental assessment corresponded to the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment.
The project is expressly included in the Hydrological Plan of the Segura Demarcation 2022-2027 and contributes to the objective of reducing aquifer overexploitation in the region.
Economic and operational impact
The economic impact of this approval is structured at two levels:
- Reduction in desalinated water costs: Electrical energy is the main component of desalinated water production costs. By covering 35% of electrical consumption with own solar generation, ACUAMED reduces dependence on the electricity market, which can be passed on as lower rates to farmers supplied by the Valdelentisco desalination facility.
- Lower pressure on aquifers: A more economical desalination facility encourages its use over groundwater extraction, contributing to the recovery of overexploited aquifers in the Segura Demarcation.
From an operational perspective, the 30 kV underground evacuation line of 7,764 m connects directly to the existing substation, minimizing the need for new grid infrastructure and reducing connection times and costs.
Who does it affect?
- ACUAMED — As the promoter, it is the main executing agent. The approved EID allows it to advance in the bidding and construction of the plant.
- Farmers in Murcia — Users of water from the Valdelentisco desalination facility, especially in the Cartagena and Mazarrón areas, will benefit from a potential reduction in irrigation water costs.
- Local administrations of Cartagena and Mazarrón — Must coordinate with ACUAMED on urban planning, easement, and land use aspects related to the 92.60 ha of the installation and the underground line route.
- Directorate General of Water (MITECO) — Substantive body that must integrate the EID conditions into the project's final authorization.
- Agricultural sector of the Segura Demarcation — Indirectly, greater availability of desalinated water at lower cost reduces extractive pressure on the aquifers on which the sector also depends.
Practical example
Imagine a farmers' community that currently purchases desalinated water from Valdelentisco at a price that includes a significant energy component. The desalination facility consumes grid electricity at market price for 100% of its operation.
With the 54 MWp solar plant operational and covering the 35% of electrical consumption, that percentage is generated at nearly zero marginal cost (free sun, only installation amortization). If the energy cost represents, for example, 50% of the final desalinated water price, a 35% reduction in that component equals approximately 17-18% savings in the desalination facility's energy bill, savings that ACUAMED can partially pass on to farmers' rates.
Additionally, the connection via a 30 kV underground line of 7,764 m to the already existing substation avoids the construction of new high-voltage infrastructure, shortening execution timelines and reducing landscape impact in the Cartagena-Mazarrón area.
What should companies do now?
- If you are a farmer or farmers' community supplied by Valdelentisco: Contact ACUAMED to learn about the planned construction schedule and estimated date for the solar plant to become operational, as this will determine when water rate savings will materialize.
- If you are a photovoltaic infrastructure or civil works provider: Review the bidding documents that ACUAMED will publish on the Public Sector Contracting Platform. The approved EID is the step prior to construction bidding.
- If you are a local administration in Cartagena or Mazarrón: Verify the urban planning compatibility of the 92.60 ha affected and the 7,764 m underground line route with current municipal planning, and begin coordination procedures with ACUAMED.
- If you are a manager or advisor in the agricultural sector of the Segura Demarcation: Incorporate this project into your water cost analysis for the coming years. The 35% reduction in the desalination facility's energy component is relevant data for medium-term irrigation campaign planning.
- For all affected parties: Consult the complete resolution in the BOE of September 9, 2026 to learn about the specific conditions imposed in the EID, which may include corrective measures, environmental monitoring, or compensation that affect the project's timeline and cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Environmental Impact Declaration for Valdelentisco and what does it authorize?
It is the administrative act issued by the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment (MITECO) on August 31, 2026, that, following environmental assessment of the project, enables the construction of the 54 MWp photovoltaic solar plant linked to the Valdelentisco desalination facility in Cartagena-Mazarrón. Without this declaration, the project cannot be executed.
How much energy will the Valdelentisco solar plant produce and how does it affect water costs?
The plant, with 54 MWp of power and 78,840 modules on 92.60 ha, will cover approximately 35% of the expanded Valdelentisco desalination facility's electrical consumption. By reducing dependence on the electricity market by that percentage, the cost of desalinated water production decreases, which can result in lower rates for Murcia farmers supplied by this infrastructure.
Who is the project promoter and what body authorizes it?
The promoter is ACUAMED (Waters of the Mediterranean Basins). The substantive body—who grants the final authorization integrating EID conditions—is the Directorate General of Water of MITECO. This jurisdictional assignment was determined after resolving an internal MITECO dispute, concluding that the project's main activity is the hydraulic work.
How will the solar plant be connected to the desalination facility?
Via a 30 kV underground line with a length of 7,764 meters that connects the photovoltaic plant to the desalination facility's already existing electrical substation. Being underground and using existing infrastructure, it minimizes visual impact and reduces the need for new grid installations.
What planning framework does this project fall under?
The project is included in the Hydrological Plan of the Segura Demarcation 2022-2027. Its objective is to contribute to reducing aquifer overexploitation in the region, promoting the use of desalinated water as a sustainable alternative to groundwater, at a more competitive cost thanks to own solar generation.
Official source
View complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-18894
