China’s seawater desalination scale and technology have significantly improved, effectively ensuring the living and industrial water needs of coastal residents.

Currently, seawater desalination projects are steadily advancing across various regions. The under-construction Hebei Cangzhou Botou New Water Source Seawater Comprehensive Utilization Integrated Project innovatively adopts a “photovoltaic + energy storage + seawater desalination” development model. The first phase can produce 50,000 tons of desalinated water per day, with main construction progress exceeding 60%.

As projects accelerate, core technologies have achieved independent breakthroughs. Research teams have overcome a series of technical challenges in hydraulic design and water-lubricated seals, transitioning from laboratory to engineering applications. The energy recovery device, known as the system’s “heart,” has achieved independent breakthroughs. It was first applied in the fully domestically produced production line with a capacity of 30,000 tons per day at the Tianjin Nangang Industrial Zone.

Seawater desalination technology is now widely benefiting grassroots island communities. In just three provinces—Shandong, Zhejiang, and Hainan—over 30 remote islands have completely ended the era of relying on ships for water and limited supply, achieving round-the-clock full water coverage.

On the industrial side, seawater desalination is fully empowering major industrial projects. On Zhoushan’s Yushan Island in Zhejiang, the world’s largest petrochemical-supporting seawater desalination project cluster is operating at full capacity, with a maximum daily water supply exceeding 515,000 tons and an annual freshwater supply of over 140 million tons, meeting high-end industrial production standards.

From technological breakthroughs to empowering major industries, China’s comprehensive seawater desalination capabilities continue to strengthen. The latest data shows that China has over 160 existing seawater desalination projects, with daily production capacity rising from 1.65 million tons in 2020 to over 3 million tons currently, equivalent to the daily domestic water use of 15 million people.

Hebei Cangzhou Botou New Water Source Seawater Comprehensive Utilization Integrated Project

The Hebei Cangzhou Botou New Water Source Seawater Comprehensive Utilization Integrated Project is a large-scale infrastructure initiative in Botou, Cangzhou, China, designed to address regional water scarcity by desalinating seawater and integrating it into local water supplies. Developed as part of China’s broader efforts to enhance water security and sustainable resource management, the project utilizes advanced technology to convert seawater into freshwater for industrial, agricultural, and municipal use. Its history reflects the region’s growing need for alternative water sources due to limited freshwater availability and increasing demand from economic development.

Tianjin Nangang Industrial Zone

Tianjin Nangang Industrial Zone is a major industrial area located in the Binhai New Area of Tianjin, China, established in the early 2010s as part of the country’s strategic development of heavy and petrochemical industries. Built on reclaimed land along the Bohai Bay, the zone focuses on sectors such as petrochemicals, metallurgy, and energy, featuring large-scale facilities and deep-water ports. Its development reflects China’s broader push to modernize industrial infrastructure and boost economic growth in the Bohai Rim region.

Shandong

Shandong is a coastal province in eastern China known as the birthplace of Confucius, making it a cradle of Confucian culture and philosophy. Its capital, Jinan, features famous natural springs, while Qufu houses the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius. Historically, Shandong has been a significant cultural and economic hub since ancient times, with a rich legacy spanning over 2,500 years.

Zhejiang

Zhejiang is a coastal province in eastern China known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Historically, it was a key region along the ancient Maritime Silk Road and has been a center of trade, agriculture, and intellectual life for centuries. Today, it is famous for landmarks like West Lake in Hangzhou, the ancient water towns, and the thriving city of Ningbo.

Hainan

Hainan is China’s southernmost island province, known for its tropical climate and beaches. Historically, it was a remote exile site for disgraced officials during the imperial era, but today it has transformed into a major tourist destination and free trade port. The island also holds cultural significance for the Li and Miao ethnic minorities, whose traditions remain an integral part of its heritage.

Zhoushan’s Yushan Island

Zhoushan’s Yushan Island, located in the East China Sea, is famous for its unique geological landscape, including towering stone pillars and sea-eroded caves. Historically, it was once a strategic military outpost and is now a protected natural area known for its biodiversity and migratory bird habitats. The island also features the Yushan Lighthouse, a historic structure that guided ships through the treacherous waters.