Blue Marinas: Zero-emission desalination plants for circular water
Sustainable innovation that transforms water management in Balearic marinas with renewable energy and zero emissions
Palma
23/12/2025- Medio Ambiente
- Náutico Deportivo
The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) promotes and gives visibility to innovative solutions that address the major environmental challenges of the port and marine environment. The Marinas Azules Baleares project is part of this: Zero Emissions Desalination Plants for Circular Water, an initiative of the Balearic Marine Cluster that is a finalist in the Timon Awards, in which the APB is partner institution.
The project is in response to the critical water context of the Balearic Islands, where the aquifers suffer from overexploitation and saline intrusion while the demand for drinking water is on the increase, especially in high season and due to the use of large vessels. The water is usually supplied from the municipal network. To meet this challenge, Marinas Azules proposes modular, self-sufficient and zero-emission desalination plants in sports marinas, moving towards a circular and sustainable water model.
The solution is based on reverse osmosis systems with recovery rates of 30-40%, powered by 100% renewable energy through photovoltaic installations and guarantees of origin. This is complemented by advanced environmental management of the brine, through dilution or controlled infiltration systems that minimise its impact on the marine environment.
The initiative is based on a feasibility study conducted by Garau Ingenieros and on the collaboration of several leading marinas -Marina Port de Mallorca, Port Adriano, Alcudiamar, Marina Ibiza, Marina Santa Eulària and Club Náutico Cala Gamba- which act as living laboratories of innovation. The estimated benefits include savings of between 20,000 and 40,000 m³ of drinking water per year per marina, carbon-neutral operation thanks to the use of renewables and the reduction of pressure on island aquifers and Posidonia oceanica, aligning water management in nautical environments with the objectives of decarbonisation and the circular economy.
