Abu Dhabi National Energy Company has secured a deal to acquire GS Inima, a major player in water treatment and desalination services, from GS Engineering & Construction. The agreement, valued at US$1.2 billion, will grant TAQA full ownership of GS Inima and propel the company’s international water growth ambitions.

Headquartered in Madrid, GS Inima has long been a key figure in the global water industry, with a strong portfolio that spans water desalination and treatment technologies. The company manages around 50 active projects worldwide, including 30 public-private partnerships, across both water treatment and wastewater management sectors. With its expertise in the sector, GS Inima’s operations include both industrial and municipal water services, giving TAQA a substantial presence in these critical markets.

This acquisition plays a crucial role in TAQA’s overarching strategy to build a world-class, integrated global water platform. The move is poised to broaden TAQA’s footprint within the rapidly expanding water sector, as the global demand for clean water and sustainable solutions continues to grow.

TAQA’s commitment to enhancing its water services comes amid mounting pressures on the global water infrastructure, exacerbated by climate change, urbanisation, and the increasing demand for potable water. As governments worldwide look to secure reliable water supplies for their populations, companies like TAQA, with substantial investments in water technologies, are expected to play a leading role.

The acquisition signals TAQA’s ambition to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its position in the water sector, aligning with global trends focused on sustainability and resource conservation. The company has already established a strong track record in energy, and this move further cements its efforts to expand into water infrastructure, positioning TAQA as a more integrated player in global utility markets.

In addition to expanding TAQA’s water treatment capabilities, the acquisition opens doors for potential collaborations in other regions, particularly in emerging markets where water scarcity remains a pressing issue. By adding GS Inima’s extensive experience in managing large-scale PPPs, TAQA is now well-equipped to deliver innovative water solutions on a global scale.

Experts point out that the rising water scarcity challenges, particularly in arid regions and rapidly growing urban centres, are expected to provide new opportunities for companies investing in desalination and wastewater treatment technologies. With governments and private entities alike pursuing strategies to combat water shortages, the demand for advanced water management solutions is likely to continue increasing.

The acquisition of GS Inima could foster a new wave of technological advancements in the water treatment sector. Given GS Inima’s established record of implementing cutting-edge desalination technologies, the deal could lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods to convert seawater into drinkable water—a vital component in regions dependent on desalinated water sources.