The General Directorate of Concessions (DGC) reported that, at the request of interested companies, the deadline for receiving technical and economic offers for the Desalination Plant Concession project for the Coquimbo region, which involves an estimated investment of USD 350 million, has been slightly extended to mid-October.

The extension was granted in response to bidders’ requests for more time to thoroughly review recent changes and address related questions. The move aims to encourage strong, competitive participation and support the successful awarding of the first desalination plant tender under the public works concession scheme. The project has already drawn considerable attention, with over 50 submissions and inquiries from 19 different firms.

The Desalination Plant Concession project for the Coquimbo region is located in the southern sector of the region, specifically in the Panul Inlet, and includes the design, construction, and operation of a seawater desalination plant with a total capacity of 1,200 l/s and an initial operating capacity of 800 l/s, intended for human consumption and multipurpose purposes. The initiative includes marine works, the reverse osmosis desalination plant, and the 18.7 km distribution pipeline leading to the 8,000 m3 tanks.

The new dates for the Receipt of Technical and Economic Bids and the Opening of Economic Bids are October 14 and November 14, 2025.