ACCIONA has launched a dual-model artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to cut energy use and improve performance in reverse osmosis desalination, one of the water industry’s most energy-intensive processes.
The new digital solution, already deployed at a desalination plant in Qatar, combines two complementary tools — ACRRO®, an in-house simulation model, and Insight, a real-time AI optimization platform — to fine-tune operations with greater accuracy and efficiency.
ACRRO® uses advanced algorithms and differential equations to simulate the behaviour of reverse osmosis racks, while Insight applies machine learning trained on live operational data to continuously adjust parameters for optimal energy use. Together, the technologies enable predictive and adaptive control, reducing electricity consumption while maintaining or increasing freshwater output.
“This innovation represents a significant leap in sustainable water infrastructure,” said Guillermo Hijós, ACCIONA’s Director for Desalination Operations and Maintenance in the Middle East and Oceania. “We’re able to unite the predictive power of simulation with the adaptability of AI, transforming how desalination is managed — making it smarter and more efficient.”
The system is supported remotely by ACCIONA’s centralized Water Control Centre (CECOA) in Madrid, allowing for continuous monitoring and scalability across the company’s global network of water treatment facilities.
Beyond the dual-model AI solution, ACCIONA’s regional operations team has developed additional digital tools to improve efficiency and resilience. These include a turbidity prediction system that anticipates variations in seawater quality, enabling proactive adjustments to prevent equipment damage, and a satellite-AI model that forecasts marine hazards such as algae blooms and oil spills. Both systems are integrated into CECOA, providing operators with real-time intelligence to support faster and more informed decision-making.
The new innovations highlight ACCIONA’s strategy to integrate advanced digital technologies into operational environments, accelerating progress toward sustainability goals and improving the reliability of water infrastructure across the Middle East.
ACCIONA, which has been carbon neutral since 2016, reported €19.19 billion in sales in 2024 and operates in more than 40 countries. The company’s portfolio spans renewable energy, water treatment, sustainable transport, and resilient infrastructure, positioning it among the global leaders in clean technology and the transition to a decarbonised economy.
