China is setting an ambitious course to revolutionize its water conservation industry by attracting substantial foreign and private capital. The nation aims to expand the sector into a trillion-yuan (approximately $140 billion) industry by 2027, signaling a significant push towards sustainable water management amid growing scarcity concerns.
By 2035, China envisions cultivating several industry leaders valued at tens of billions of yuan. The goal is to elevate water-saving technologies, manufacturing processes, and management services to advanced global standards, as outlined in a guideline released on Monday by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and other ministerial departments.
Technological innovation is at the heart of this initiative. The focus will be on breakthroughs in treating and recycling organic and high-salinity wastewater, improving efficient cooling systems, and developing water-saving washing processes. Regions with the capacity are encouraged to organize water-saving product fairs, trade shows, and technology exhibitions to promote mature and applicable technologies.
To stimulate the market, a platform will be established for water-saving enterprises to exchange advanced technologies and deepen cooperative partnerships. This move aims to invigorate both the supply and demand sides within the water conservation industry.
Moreover, research institutions and high-tech enterprises are encouraged to participate in international water-related activities. By offering consulting, construction, and operation management services for overseas water conservation projects, China seeks to support the high-quality development goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.
China faces a fundamental water scarcity challenge due to its large population and the uneven distribution of water resources across regions and seasons. Water conservation has been identified as the fundamental solution to this shortage problem.
In a significant policy move, China implemented its first national-level regulations on water conservation starting May 1 of this year. The targets set for 2024 include a 13% reduction in water consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP and a similar decrease in water consumption per 10,000 yuan of industrial added value compared to 2020 levels.
The NDRC has indicated plans to promote water conservation efforts by enhancing the use of unconventional water sources—such as rainwater, recycled water, desalinated seawater, and mine water—and updating and transforming equipment.
Agriculture, accounting for over 60% of total water usage in China, will undergo comprehensive reforms in water pricing. This includes tiered pricing and a precise subsidy and reward mechanism for water-saving practices. The aim is to significantly increase the efficiency of irrigation water use in agriculture.
Additionally, China is striving for an annual utilization of unconventional water sources exceeding 18 billion cubic meters. A recent key policy document highlights that China will enforce mandatory limits on the use of water resources and replace the water resource fee with a nationwide tax.
To support these initiatives, the government will promote the adoption of advanced water-saving equipment and products. This includes driving large-scale updates of water-saving equipment and accelerating the phase-out of outdated water-consuming products and equipment. Regular publication of catalogs of applicable water-saving technologies and encouraged industrial processes will guide the industry towards sustainable practices.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
