Shanghai Electric Ranks Fifth Globally in Desalination Projects Amidst Growing Water Scarcity
In a significant advancement for the global water industry, Shanghai Electric has risen to the fifth position in the world rankings for newly constructed seawater desalination projects, according to the latest statistics from the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and Global Water Intelligence (GWI). This achievement marks a remarkable ascent of four places from the previous ranking, underscoring the company's growing impact in addressing water scarcity through innovative technologies.
This move is particularly noteworthy as it reflects Shanghai Electric's ongoing commitment to overcoming the persistent challenges of water scarcity faced by many regions across the globe. The company has been recognized for its dual "Thermal + Membrane" technology, which combines thermal distillation and reverse osmosis processes, effectively providing high-quality drinking water while also ensuring energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
As of 2024-2025, the company boasts an impressive cumulative project capacity, cementing its place as a leader in the industry. These advancements can be traced back to over a decade of dedication to the development of both thermal and membrane-based technologies, which have now evolved to meet diverse industrial applications and demands.
One of the hallmark projects that highlights Shanghai Electric's expertise in this domain is the Hengyi PMB Petrochemical Project in Brunei, which features a capacity of 3 × 12,500 tons per day. This project utilizes a groundbreaking combination of Low-Temperature Multi-effect Distillation (LT-MED) technology alongside hot water flash evaporation, showcasing the company’s innovation in adapting to various environmental conditions while maintaining independence through proprietary rights.
Additionally, the company has successfully completed the largest thermal desalination EPC project in China for Zhejiang Petroleum Chemical Co., Ltd., which holds a total capacity of 305,000 tons per day. Employing Forward Multi-effect Distillation (F-MED) technology powered by industrial waste heat, this project demonstrates Shanghai Electric's commitment to creating sustainable solutions that reduce dependency on traditional energy sources.
Another notable project is the Yulong Petrochemical Hybrid Desalination Project located in Yantai, which has a capacity of 160,000 tons per day. This initiative stands out as the largest thermally-membrane-based hybrid seawater desalination facility worldwide, integrating novel F-MED-RO hybrid technology that harmonizes thermal and membrane processes for enhanced efficiency.
Throughout its journey, Shanghai Electric has established itself as a brand synonymous with technological reliability and project execution excellence, successfully implementing large-scale projects both domestically and internationally. The company’s ascent within the global rankings is a testament to its comprehensive technological solutions, which cover a wide range of desalination methods tailored to specific regional needs.
Looking forward, Shanghai Electric remains committed to leveraging its vast technological portfolio and global project experience to offer environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and reliable sustainable water solutions worldwide. As the demand for fresh water continues to rise with expanding populations and industrial activities, the importance of innovative companies like Shanghai Electric grows. Through these rigorous efforts, the organization aims to contribute effectively to the global challenge of water scarcity, embodying a blend of "Chinese Wisdom" and the "Shanghai Electric Solution" for future generations.
For more information about Shanghai Electric and their innovative solutions, visit their official website at https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.