China's New Desalination Plant: Making Fresh Water Cheaper Than Tap

2025-12-08 application

Shandong, Monday, 8 December 2025.
A Chinese plant in Shandong makes tap water look pricey, producing green hydrogen while tackling water scarcity. It’s a game-changer for energy and the environment, starring in a circular economy.

Revolutionary Desalination Process

In Shandong province, China, a cutting-edge desalination plant is turning heads by making fresh water cheaper than traditional tap water. This facility doesn’t stop at just providing affordable water; it also churns out green hydrogen, positioning itself as a beacon of sustainable innovation. The plant achieves a ‘one-in, three-out’ model, producing 192,000 standard cubic metres of green hydrogen and 350 tonnes of mineral-rich brine, which is pivotal for marine chemical production [1].

Circular Economy in Action

This plant exemplifies a circular economy by using low-grade waste heat from nearby industrial plants to power its operations. It processes 800 tonnes of seawater annually, yielding 450 cubic metres of ultra-pure fresh water crucial for industrial and residential use, all while operating continuously for over three weeks [1]. This approach not only reduces costs but also aligns with global efforts to tackle water scarcity and promote renewable energy [5].

The Economics of Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen, a byproduct of this plant, is produced at an energy cost of 4.2 kilowatts per cubic metre. This is enough to fuel 100 buses for a distance of 3,840 km each year [1]. The economic viability of such ventures is underscored by studies highlighting the cost-competitiveness of electrolyser technologies, with alkaline electrolysers showing the most promise for lowering production costs [2].

Global and Local Implications

China’s investment in this desalination technology not only showcases its commitment to clean energy but also sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges. For instance, Morocco is also ramping up its desalination capacity, aiming to source 60% of its drinking water from renewable-powered desalination by 2030 [6]. This global shift underscores the role of desalination in addressing both water scarcity and energy sustainability [7].

Bronnen

green hydrogen desalination