Anàlisi de l’impacte energètic i econòmic de les infraestructures de dessalinització a Catalunya: el cas de la ITAM Tordera II

Abstract

This master's thesis analyses the energy and economic impact of seawater desalination infrastructures in Catalonia, focusing on the case of the Tordera II desalination plant (ITAM Tordera II). The research is framed within the Ter-Llobregat supply system (STL), which serves over 5 million inhabitants and is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion plan in response to the 2021–2024 drought. The study evaluates whether the planned increase in desalinated water production is coherent with hydrological planning procedures and environmental sustainability criteria established by the EU Water Framework Directive. Methodologically, the work combines regulatory analysis, hydrological and energy data review, and a quantitative estimation of the energy savings potential of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems for the ITAM Tordera II. It also includes a projection of the water tariff increase based on OPEX and CAPEX scenarios. The findings confirm that desalination is the most energy-intensive and costly drinking water supply technology in the region. Moreover, the integration of PV systems would only marginally offset the plant's electricity demand. The study concludes that while desalination may improve supply reliability, it entails significant economic and environmental trade-offs that must be carefully assessed within the framework of sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies.