The company Aigües de Barcelona, controlled by Veolia, has achieved the highest technical score in the tender called by the AMB to supply water for 25 years to eight municipalities, including Sant Cugat del Vallès. The contract is valued at €1.078 billion.
The company Aigües de Barcelona, part of the French group Veolia, has positioned itself as the favourite in the tender from the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) to manage the water supply in eight municipalities, including Sant Cugat del Vallès. The bidding committee awarded it the highest score in the technical phase, with 49 points out of a possible 49, surpassing five other bids.
The tender, valued at €1.078 billion, covers the drinking water service for the next 25 years in Cervelló, Corbera de Llobregat, Molins de Rei, la Palma de Cervelló, Sant Andreu de la Barca, Sant Cugat del Vallès, and Tiana, municipalities that together have more than 230,000 inhabitants. The final decision will depend on the economic offer, which is expected to be known this Thursday and accounts for 51 points out of 100.
Technical Scores: Aigües de Barcelona Dominates
Aigües de Barcelona's technical offer received the highest rating in the four evaluated areas: service organisation and management (15 points), operational plan (23 points), environmental improvements (6 points), and social improvements (5 points). The second-placed bid, a consortium formed by FCC Aqualia and Aguas de Valencia, scored 45.37 points, while the consortium of Gestión y Técnicas del Agua and Saur achieved 41.8 points. Further behind were the unions of Constructora de Calaf and Sociedad de Fomento Agrícola Castellonense, Indaqua and Hidrogestión, and Sacyr Agua, the latter with only 37.67 points.
The operational plan, which includes management, conservation, innovation, and communication, was the most significant section (23 points) where Aigües de Barcelona particularly excelled. Environmental improvements, with 6 points, and social improvements, with 5, were also key to the final score.
The Economic Factor: Decisive for the Contract
Although the technical phase is already resolved, the economic offer will be crucial. The evaluable criteria through formulas total 51 points, of which 24 correspond to the price reduction of investments. The financial cost of the assets pending amortisation is worth 10 points, and general expenses, 6. In total, the cost factor represents 40 points out of 100, leaving the door open for surprises if any competitor presents an aggressive reduction.
Currently, the Veolia group already provides the service in these municipalities, but the contract had expired. The AMB sought to update the fees and improve the conditions. Veolia, which acquired its rival Suez (owner of Agbar), considers Aigües de Barcelona strategic. CriteriaCaixa, the holding of La Caixa, is a reference shareholder with 5.1% and has a seat on the board.
Relevance for Sant Cugat del Vallès
For the residents of Sant Cugat del Vallès, the final awarding of the contract will mean the continuity of the service with the same company, but with possible changes in tariffs and investments. The new terms include environmental improvements such as reducing energy consumption and emissions, as well as social measures. The AMB expects the new contract to come into effect throughout 2026, once all procedures have been resolved.
The final decision will be known in the coming days, after the opening of the economic envelopes. Until then, the eight municipalities, including Sant Cugat, are waiting to find out who will manage their tap water for the next quarter of a century.
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