The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is making its first move in Chile, approving a $10 million investment to bring new water solutions to areas hit hardest by drought. The funding will go to the Aguas Pacifico project, a large desalination plant meant to supply water to central Chile, where water shortages threaten both residents and businesses.
Project Aqua is being built step by step. In its first stage, workers will put up a facility able to treat 1,000 liters of water per second, build a 104-kilometer aqueduct, and add a new electric substation. Once the next phase begins, the plant’s capacity will double, providing even more water for people and industry in the Valparaiso and Santiago regions—areas hit especially hard by years of low rainfall.
Water scarcity is a big issue in central and northern Chile, regions that generate most of the country’s GDP. Severe shortages have grown worse after a decade of record-low rain. The project started back in 2016, backed by Patria Infrastructure funds, and now has AIIB and other partners involved.
When complete, the plant will rely on clean, renewable energy to turn seawater into safe drinking water for homes and businesses.
“Supplying water where it’s needed most helps people and entire industries face a changing climate,” an AIIB spokesperson said.
By supporting Project Aqua, AIIB hopes to help Chile tackle water crisis challenges and build a future-ready solution for communities and the economy.
