Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of seawater and brackish water desalination as a strategic measure to enhance water resource supply and optimize water distribution in China, particularly in coastal areas facing water scarcity [3][4][11]. Group 1: Policy and Strategic Initiatives - The Ministry of Natural Resources plans to advance large-scale seawater desalination projects in coastal regions, integrating them into the national water network and enhancing unified water resource allocation [3][4]. - The "14th Five-Year Plan" includes significant initiatives for promoting seawater desalination and marine energy utilization, with legal frameworks established to support unconventional water sources [3][11]. - The government aims to elevate the strategic status of seawater desalination, fostering technological and industrial innovation through policy support [3][11]. Group 2: Current Status and Future Projections - As of the end of 2024, China has 158 seawater desalination projects with a total capacity of 2.856 million tons per day, with over 600,000 tons per day currently under construction [4][6]. - The total desalination supply in 2024 is projected to exceed 400 million tons, effectively meeting the water needs of high-water-consuming industries and residents in water-scarce regions [4][6]. - The "Action Plan for Seawater Desalination Utilization (2021-2025)" targets a national desalination capacity of over 2.9 million tons per day by 2025, with significant contributions from coastal cities and islands [11]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - Domestic companies have made significant progress in developing seawater desalination technologies, particularly in reverse osmosis membranes, achieving a stable desalination rate of over 99.8% [7][8]. - The industry has transitioned from relying on imports to achieving self-sufficiency in key technologies, with domestic membrane manufacturers now competing on an international level [7][8]. - The seawater desalination sector is expected to stimulate growth in related industries, including equipment manufacturing, machinery, and chemicals, creating a cluster effect [8].

Core Insights - The Chinese government is prioritizing the development of seawater and brackish water desalination projects as a strategic measure to enhance water resource supply and optimize water distribution, which is crucial for sustainable economic and social development [1][5][10] Group 1: Policy and Strategic Initiatives - The Ministry of Natural Resources plans to support desalination projects through central budget investments and long-term special bonds, integrating these projects into the national water network [1][10] - The government aims to elevate the strategic importance of seawater desalination, promoting technological and industrial innovation while ensuring policy support [1][5] - The 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes the large-scale utilization of seawater desalination and marine energy, with specific legal frameworks being established to support unconventional water sources [1][5] Group 2: Current Infrastructure and Capacity - As of the end of 2024, there are 158 seawater desalination projects in China, with a total capacity of 2.856 million tons per day, and over 600,000 tons per day currently under construction [2][5] - Major projects include the Zhejiang Green Petrochemical Base desalination project (515,000 tons/day) and the Tianjin South Port Industrial Area project, which is the largest single-unit membrane desalination facility in China (30,000 tons/day) [2][5] Group 3: Technological Advancements - Domestic companies have made significant progress in developing key desalination technologies, particularly in reverse osmosis membranes, achieving performance levels comparable to international standards [6][9] - The Chinese membrane industry has transitioned from a follower to a leader in the field, with local innovations reducing reliance on foreign technology and lowering operational costs [6][9] Group 4: Future Projections and Goals - The National Development and Reform Commission's action plan aims for a total seawater desalination capacity of over 2.9 million tons per day by 2025, with significant expansions planned for coastal cities and island regions [7][9] - The government is committed to enhancing the supply chain and modernizing the industry, with a focus on integrating desalination technologies with renewable energy and exploring new applications [9][10]