Acciona launches new R&D platform for desalination sector

20 Jun 2021
Acciona launches new R&D platform for desalination sector

Spain’s Acciona has launched a new research platform to test innovations in sustainability and efficiency for desalination processes. The LEAD platform will be able to simulate common problems with desalination in the Middle East, such as algae blooms and high turbidity

Spain’s Acciona has launched a new research platform to test innovations in sustainability and efficiency for desalination processes.

The “Leading Experimental Accelerator in Desalination” (LEAD) platform is being tested at 10 experimental stations at the San Pedro del Pinatar 2 desalination plant in Murcia, Spain.

The platform covers all of the stages of the desalination process. These include: granular filtration, flotation-filtration, flotation, ultrafiltration, nano-filtration, reverse osmosis (RO) and membrane distillation.

Acciona says that, by using the same intake water as the desalination plant, LEAD will assess how the new technologies and configurations function in a real setting.

The platform will test new sensors for water quality and explore the optimal operational conditions under different scenarios. It will also aim to establish the optimal intake of power and chemicals that maximize efficiency and lower risks and costs. The LEAD platform will aim to develop predictive models of the behavior of technologies and new control systems in order to fully understand the processes and determine how they will behave in advance.

The LEAD platform will be able to simulate common problems with desalination in the Middle East, such as algae blooms and high turbidity.

There is an important international dimension to the LEAD platform that will undoubtedly benefit the operation of desalination plants in the Middle East,” said Guillermo Hijos, O&M director for Acciona in the Middle East.

Energy & Utilities - Middle East and Africa Market, Outlook Report 2023.

This must-have report for industry players offers a thorough understanding of the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the region, supported by data, analysis, and expert insights. 

E&U Podcast

Subscribe to our Market Talk podcast for the latest on the key issues and trends in the energy and utilities sector

List your business

Create a business listing on the Energy & Utilities markeplace

Sign up for the FREE Energy newsletter

The latest news and analysis sent to your inbox.

Drop Us A Message
I have read, understood and consent to your Privacy Policy