The centre was officially opened today, next to the La Caleta desalination plant, with the participation of the mayor of AdejeIt is a space for the development of new desalination systems, brine recovery, and the use of renewable energy.
Universities, research centres, public bodies and private companies are all involved in the projectAdeje, 27 June 2025The WAVE (Water Added Value European Centre) innovation hub was officially opened today at the La Caleta desalination plant in Adeje. The project, an initiative by Aqualia-Entemanser with the support of Adeje Town Hall, aims to become a European benchmark for research into new desalination techniques, brine recovery to extract critical raw materials, and the use of renewable energy sources – all with the goal of achieving more sustainable desalination and unlocking the true value of seawater.
The event was held to coincide with the XIV International Congress of the Spanish Association for Desalination and Reuse (AEDYR), taking place this week in Santa Cruz. Around 100 people attended the launch of the WAVE centre, including a number of international delegates. The event was led by the mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, and attended by various dignitaries and representatives from Aqualia-Entemanser, including Higinio Martínez, southern Spain regional director; Pedro Rodríguez, director of Strategic Development and Sustainability; Enrique Reina, head of the Canary Islands delegation; and Víctor Monsalvo, head of the Ecoefficiency Area within the Innovation and Technology Department.In his address, the mayor of Adeje thanked Aqualia for their strategic collaboration with the Town Hall on such a key initiative “which places our municipality at the forefront of sustainable water cycle management and responsible water use, making us an international point of reference.”Rodríguez Fraga also stressed the importance of having the centre located in Adeje, as it “confirms our strong commitment to all projects related to sustainability and the efficient use of resources, especially in the field of water,” noting that Adeje is currently home to initiatives such as circular tourism communities, energy communities, and the development of the first productive forest. “These are all examples of projects that aim to use as few resources as possible while engaging our community in sustainable values,” he said.WAVE, a key example of public-private collaborationVíctor Monsalvo explained that WAVE is an open space for all stakeholders, where joint research is carried out into desalination, brine recovery and renewable energy use. “The centre has the human and technical resources needed to turn scientific knowledge into practical, innovative solutions that can be applied directly to the water cycle,” he said. In fact, WAVE has already developed solutions currently in operation in Tenerife and mainland Spain, including tertiary treatment for the La Orotava treatment plant and various water purification systems for Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia.With over 3,000 m² of space, the layout of the centre offers a flexible and versatile platform ideal for tackling new challenges and developing future solutions for seawater desalination. Its facilities and highly qualified staff make it a unique infrastructure for R&D, evaluation, demonstration, training and technology transfer in the desalination field.The centre includes common spaces (offices, laboratory, workshop) and areas equipped to receive and operate new technologies. The WAVE Centre’s core team consists of four resident researchers, supported by a flexible team of seven additional staff. This has led to the creation of highly skilled local and international jobs, and generated indirect opportunities for suppliers of materials and services.Attendees at the event were introduced to the centre’s capabilities and its current national and international projects. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by the mayor to mark the occasion. The event ended with a toast using desalinated water from the La Caleta plant and a tasting of ‘Alma de Mar’ gourmet salts, developed by Aqualia from brine through a sustainable process powered exclusively by solar and wind energy.Over €42 million invested in R&D since 2019Aqualia’s Innovation and Technology activities in Tenerife began in 2019. Since then, eight projects have been carried out on the island, with a total investment of €42.4 million, co-financed by European funds and partner organisations. The intensity of this R&D work highlighted the need for a dedicated space, hence the creation of the WAVE centre.To date, four projects have been completed, representing an investment of €4.1 million by Aqualia, with a further €2.5 million invested by associated entities, bringing the total to €6.6 million between 2019 and 2025.Four more projects are currently underway, with an estimated investment of €3 million planned for 2026–2029.For more information
Communications Department
comunicacion@aqualia.es
www.aqualia.com
Departamento de Comunicación
Área de Presidencia y Planificación del Territorio
922 756 200 (ext. 4412 / 4368)
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