Sea Water to Drinking Water and Fuel: China’s New Project Raises Hope for Water and Clean Energy Crisis

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Amid the growing global shortage of fresh water and the rising demand for clean energy, China has launched a new technology-based project that simultaneously converts seawater into drinking water while producing clean fuel.
The pilot project has been established in the coastal city of Rizhao in eastern Shandong Province, where seawater is being desalinated while Green Hydrogen is also being produced. Green hydrogen is widely considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly fuels of the future.
According to reports, the cost of producing drinking water under this project is estimated at around 2 yuan per cubic meter. Experts say that if this cost level is maintained on a larger scale, it could become cheaper than the municipal drinking water supplied in many cities.
In this system, seawater first passes through advanced filtration and thermal treatment processes before being converted into safe drinking water.
During the same process, energy generated within the system is used to split water molecules through Electrolysis, producing hydrogen gas. Because the process relies on renewable energy and industrial waste heat, the hydrogen produced is categorized as green hydrogen, generating energy with almost zero carbon emissions.
Experts say the key advantage of this system is that a single integrated facility can simultaneously produce several valuable resources, including clean drinking water, hydrogen fuel, and mineral salts that can be used in industry.
Part of China’s Global Energy Strategy
Energy analysts believe that Green Hydrogen will play a crucial role in the future global energy system. It can be used in transportation, heavy industries, power storage systems, and even in steel production.
China has been investing heavily in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies, and experts say the project in Rizhao is part of the country’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the global clean energy race.
Significance for Coastal Countries
Energy experts believe that if this technology proves successful on a large scale, it could benefit many coastal countries facing water shortages, including Pakistan.
Coastal cities such as Karachi and Gwadar, as well as areas along the Makran Coast, have long struggled with water scarcity. Similar systems could potentially help provide both clean drinking water and alternative energy sources in these regions.
Analysts say that if green hydrogen technology continues to expand globally, it could play a major role in the transition toward low-carbon economies and a more sustainable global energy system.