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Shanghai Electric's Rise in Global Desalination Rankings

In a recent announcement, Shanghai Electric, listed on both the SEHK (2727) and SSE (601727), has made a remarkable leap into the top five global rankings for newly constructed seawater desalination systems for the period of 2024-2025, according to the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and Global Water Intelligence (GWI). This achievement marks a rise of four places from its previous standings, reflecting the company's enhanced capability and influence in the global desalination sector.

Background and Achievements

Shanghai Electric's ascent to the top five illustrates the growing recognition of its desalination technology and project management skills on an international scale. Over the past decade, the company has dedicated itself to advancing thermal and membrane desalination technologies, which has significantly contributed to its cumulative project capacity, now standing at the eighth position globally for the years 2016-2025, improving three positions since its last ranking.

The positive evaluation from IDRA and GWI highlights the significant strides Shanghai Electric has made in addressing water scarcity challenges by employing environmentally conscious and efficient desalination solutions. With its strategic focus on integrating innovative technologies and energy efficiency, the company’s projects are now positioned to meet the increasing demand for freshwater.

Technology Leadership

Shanghai Electric specializes in two primary desalination technologies: thermal multi-effect distillation (MED) and membrane reverse osmosis (RO). By offering dual-technology solutions, the company is one of the few enterprises globally capable of providing comprehensive desalination services. This technological prowess enables the company to deliver high-quality freshwater solutions efficiently while also catering to diverse industrial applications.

One hallmark project is the Hengyi PMB petrochemical project in Brunei, which operates at a capacity of 3×12,500 tons per day. This project uniquely employs a combination of low-temperature multi-effect distillation and hot water flash evaporation processes, showcasing cutting-edge technology underpinned by fully independent intellectual property rights.

In China, the Waste-Heat Desalination Project of Zhejiang Petroleum Chemical Co., Ltd. has become the largest thermal desalination engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) initiative undertaken by Shanghai Electric. This project boasts a combined capacity of 305,000 tons per day, utilizing forward multi-effect distillation technology driven by industrial waste heat, which enhances both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the Yulong Petrochemical Thermal-Membrane Hybrid Desalination Project in Yantai represents a landmark advancement in desalination technology, capable of processing 160,000 tons per day. This project pioneers a new hybrid approach by integrating thermal and membrane processes, successfully utilizing low-temperature industrial waste heat, thus optimizing resource use and minimizing carbon emissions.

Future Prospects

Shanghai Electric's commitment to innovation and sustainable practices sets a robust foundation for future growth. The company pledges to harness its extensive experience and broad technological repertoire to continue delivering sustainable water solutions to clients worldwide. With ongoing global environmental challenges, particularly regarding water scarcity, Shanghai Electric’s role is pivotal in contributing solutions that embody both reliability and economic viability.

As the industry progresses, Shanghai Electric remains steadfast in its mission to utilize advanced desalination technologies to alleviate global water shortages while also endorsing environmental sustainability. As it continues to rise in the ranks, the company is eager to combine its technology with practical solutions, exemplifying what it refers to as the