Core Viewpoint - Flocean, a Norwegian startup, plans to build the world's first commercial underwater seawater desalination plant, "Flocean One," in Måløy, Norway, with operations expected to start in the first half of 2026, aiming to address global freshwater shortages through innovative technology that significantly reduces energy consumption and environmental impact [1][3]. Group 1: Technology and Operations - Flocean's underwater desalination technology has been validated through practical application, with the Flocean Zero device continuously supplying clean drinking water from a depth of 500 meters since November 2024, demonstrating the feasibility and reliability of large-scale underwater desalination [3]. - The technology operates effectively in deep-sea environments between 300 to 600 meters, utilizing natural hydrostatic pressure to push seawater through desalination membranes, achieving a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 30% to 50% compared to traditional land-based desalination plants [3]. - The initial production capacity of "Flocean One" is projected to be 1,000 cubic meters of freshwater per day, with a modular design allowing for expansion up to 50,000 cubic meters per day, catering to diverse water needs for urban living, industrial production, and agricultural irrigation [3][4]. Group 2: Environmental Impact - The project significantly reduces the scale of pre-treatment infrastructure by 60% and avoids discharging toxic brine near sensitive habitats, ensuring that chemicals are treated harmlessly before being safely released into the deep sea, thus minimizing impacts on marine ecosystems [4]. - The technology is recognized for overcoming traditional desalination challenges such as high noise, energy consumption, and pollution, operating quietly from the seabed and achieving sustainable operation [4]. Group 3: Market Context and Investment - According to the United Nations, half of the global population currently faces severe freshwater shortages, with demand expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, driven by droughts, population growth, and high-water-consuming industries, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions [4]. - Flocean has received investment from Xylem, a leading global water solutions company, which will enhance the promotion of its technology worldwide, with ongoing large-scale commercial projects in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and various island nations [5].