Acciona, Ferrovial y ACS se lanzan a por 120.000 millones del agua británica

Three Spanish construction and engineering firms, Acciona, Ferrovial, and ACS, are vying for a 120 billion pound contract in the British water sector. The water industry is seen as presenting the most promising opportunities in the short and long term, according to Alcibádes López, director for Europe at FCC Construction. Despite limited investment over the past 20 years, opportunities are identified in water treatment plants, data centers, and energy transmission from renewable energy sources.

The hydraulic infrastructure sector faces challenges in the UK, with many facilities dating back to the Victorian era and a 19% loss of water due to leaks and pipes, which is considered unacceptably high. Ferrovial has recently begun work on the Slough water treatment plant and is expanding its portfolio in the UK with new water contracts.

Anglian Water, a major client, has a framework contract worth 1.75 billion pounds for improving resilience and creating new capacity. Acciona has focused on UK water, energy transportation, and road projects, recently winning a 465 million pound contract to remodel Coppermills water treatment plant. The long-term business potential is even greater, with the regulator estimating 290 billion pound needs until the middle of the century.