Significant infrastructure improvements are taking shape across Málaga, Spain, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainability and enhanced public safety. Two major initiatives stand out: the municipal water supplier, Emasa's solar power projects, and the acquisition of advanced firefighting equipment.
Emasa has officially inaugurated its new photovoltaic plant, marking one of the largest solar installations within the municipal framework. Situated atop the El Atabal water treatment plant and the Teatinos storage facility, this photovoltaic setup is expected to reduce the energy consumption required for the desalination process by 17.5%. The process, which employs reverse osmosis to purify water sourced from the Guadalhorce reservoirs, is not only energy-intensive but also pivotal for supplying the city with high-quality drinking water.
The mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, along with city council members responsible for sustainability, economics, and innovation, surveyed the facility, underscoring the city’s proactive approach to energy conservation and sustainable water management. This project is part of a broader investment plan by Emasa, encompassing over 130 hydraulic infrastructure works slated for the 2024-2029 timeline with an estimated budget of €100.3 million.
Emasa’s solar installation, covering 24,592 square meters, boasts an impressive capacity of 3,159 kilowatts peak, capable of generating over 5,255 megawatt-hours annually — enough to power approximately 2,000 homes. With 5,531 photovoltaic modules deployed, including 4,200 at Teatinos and 690 at El Atabal, this project is anticipated to cut carbon emissions by 2,400 tons each year.
Further enhancements are already underway, with plans for phase two involving the installation of additional photovoltaic panels across other roofs and currently unused land at the desalination plant, supported by additional EU funding through the Next Generation program. This second stage is budgeted at approximately €972,984.71, reinforcing Emasa's aim to mitigate energy costs and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, the Málaga province is also preparing to bolster its firefighting capabilities with the addition of a new 54-meter-high turntable ladder, set to become one of the tallest operational ladders available, reaching the height of 17 stories. This development is particularly significant for Málaga city, where high-rise buildings are increasingly common.
The investment for this turntable ladder is pegged at €1.6 million, with unique features including automatic operations and the ability to lower three people simultaneously for rescues — all without needing to bring the basket to the ground, thereby saving precious time during emergencies. This piece of equipment will also be equipped with its own water pumping system and can be hooked up to the water hydrant network, adding reliability to fire response scenarios.
Manuel Marmolejo, provincial deputy for fire safety, indicated the ladder's deployment is intended for service across the province, emphasizing the need for efficient and effective firefighting measures as urban density increases.
Currently, the province's firefighting resources include six other ladders, with two reaching 32 meters and four measuring 27 meters. The new addition aims to strengthen response times and capabilities not only within Málaga city but also throughout the surrounding regions, where many high-rise structures exist and continue to be developed.
The urgency for such upgrades has been underscored by historical events, including the tragic death of a person during a rescue operation at a 15-story building, which has fueled calls for improvements to firefighting resources. The existing tallest ladder has faced several operational breakdowns, prompting city officials and union representatives to push for modernization and more reliable equipment.
Fire brigade consortium technical director Francisco Soriano stated the new ladder will be purpose-built, ensuring it meets the operational standards necessary for modern high-rise emergencies. With delivery anticipated within one and a half years, the province remains committed to enhancing public safety with state-of-the-art firefighting tools.
These initiatives—Emasa's solar power projects and the fire department's new equipment—represent significant steps toward building a more sustainable and safe urban environment for the citizens of Málaga, showcasing how infrastructure can evolve to meet the needs of modern city living.
