China is set to become a global leader in water desalination as the nation ramps up efforts to combat freshwater scarcity and support industrial growth. According to a new research report, the country’s desalination market is projected to grow from US$1.84 billion in 2024 to US$4.66 billion by 2033, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.88%.
The surge is driven by a combination of factors: worsening water shortages—particularly in northern provinces—accelerated urbanization, and strong government backing for desalination infrastructure. Coastal regions such as Tianjin and Shandong are emerging as strategic hubs, hosting large-scale plants that supply water to urban centers and industrial zones.
Technological innovation is playing a key role in this expansion. Advanced reverse osmosis and hybrid distillation methods are improving efficiency and reducing operational costs, making desalination more viable for broader applications. Companies like SUEZ, Veolia, and Acciona SA are actively shaping the sector’s future through partnerships and innovation.
Government initiatives are central to this transformation. China’s national action plan aims to boost desalination capacity to 3.5 million cubic meters per day by 2025, with a strong push to integrate desalinated water into municipal systems. These efforts align with the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan, which positions sustainable water solutions as a strategic priority.
However, challenges remain. High energy consumption and operating costs continue to hinder adoption in inland areas. Environmental concerns, particularly around brine disposal and marine ecosystem impact, also pose regulatory and technical hurdles.
Despite these issues, China’s commitment to desalination is clear. The opening of ACWA Power’s Innovation Centre in Shanghai—focused on green energy and seawater desalination—underscores the country’s ambition to lead in both water and energy sustainability.
As climate pressures intensify and water demand grows, China’s desalination strategy could serve as a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges.
(Source: Globe Newswire)