China wins two global water awards for breakthroughs in sustainable desalination

China has claimed two major awards during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, highlighting the country’s leadership in sustainable water solutions and youth-driven innovation. Supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the USD 1 million global award recognises efforts to address water scarcity through renewable energy and advanced technologies.

Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co Ltd and Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd were named first runner-up in the Innovative Projects Award (Small Projects category) for their Microgrid Seawater Treatment system. Deployed on an isolated island, the containerised system integrates renewable energy with advanced triple-stage reverse-osmosis technology to produce 100 tonnes of clean water daily. Fully automated and remotely monitored, the microgrid includes a 100kW solar power unit and supports 500 residents through water-filling stations and community employment. The drinking water meets China’s GB 5749 standards and has enabled economic activity in agriculture and tourism.

“Our project aligns perfectly with the award’s mission, combining renewable energy, distillation and sustainable water management. Through this platform, we hope to gain international recognition, expand our technology’s reach, enhance visibility, foster collaboration and inspire continued innovation within our team,” said Wang Hua, Deputy General Manager of Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd.

Professor Xu Zhenyuan won the Innovative Individual Award (Youth Award category) for his Passive Solar Distillation innovation. Developed in collaboration with MIT, his modular desalination system uses layered solar evaporators and transparent aerogel insulation to passively produce more than 5.78 litres of pure drinking water per square metre on an hourly basis. The system reuses solar heat across several stages, achieving record-high efficiency even in ultra-saline conditions. Made from low-cost, widely available materials and requiring no electricity, it offers an accessible, portable solution for off-grid water access.Xu has published his research and engaged in awareness initiatives on the water-energy nexus.

“The global water crisis will worsen as populations grow and human activity strains resources. This award affirms the importance of renewable energy solutions. It motivates me to move beyond academic research and focus on real-world applications that benefit communities and support a more sustainable future for all,” said Professor Xu.