Desalinating ice: an answer to China’s water woes?

Jan. 15, 2014
At least one billion cubic metres of fresh water could be produced by desalinating ice from the Bohai sea in China by 2023, Chinese news agency Xinhua has reported...

At least one billion cubic metres of fresh water could be produced by desalinating ice from the Bohai sea in China by 2023, Chinese news agency Xinhua has reported.

A “sea ice desalination technology transfer” has been signed between Beijing Normal University and Beijing Huahaideyun Technology Co.

Executive president Yu Jian of the company was quoted as saying that the salinity of sea ice water after desalination is 0.1% and prior to desalination, he said sea ice water salinity is between 0.4% to 0.8% - lower than that of seawater.

In February 2012, China's State Council announced its 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for desalination, establishing a higher than expected target of 2.2 - 2.6 million m3/day of online capacity by 2015, versus less than 1 million m3/day today.

As part of the partnership, the research team has allegedly “mastered the basic principles and technology of sea ice desalination and developed the equipment to be used in the process, including an ice-breaking platform and an ice-gatherer”.

China’s sea ice programme was reported to have started in 1996 when Shi Peijun, a professor from Beijing Normal University, found that low saline ice could ease the water shortage around the Pan-Bohai Bay area in North China, after desalination.

In cold winters, the large areas of sea ice in Bohai are formed by the cold wave activities of Siberia.

A study published in 2008 entitled “Study on sea ice desalination technology”, authored by Tianjin University, said that: “Through economic analyses, it is seen that producing fresh water from sea ice in the Bohai Sea of China every winter proved to be a feasible approach to alleviate the pressure of fresh water shortages.”

Read more

Seawater Desalination: A Promise of China’s Future? With China's State Council establishing a higher than expected target for desalination capacity by 2015, market activity has accelerated. Ahead of the IDA World Congress in Tianjin, Khoo Teng Chye looks at how international companies are tackling the rapidly moving Chinese market…

Membranes in China: Boom or Bust for International Manufacturers? Despite the high target set by the State Council, a goal stipulating that 70% of all equipment used in desalination plants should be produced in the country is perhaps more relevant to global suppliers…

About the Author

Tom Freyberg

Tom Freyberg is an experienced environmental journalist, having worked across a variety of business-to-business titles. Since joining Pennwell in 2010, he has been influential in developing international partnerships for the water brand and has overseen digital developments, including 360 degree video case studies. He has interviewed high level figures, including NYSE CEO’s and Environmental Ministers. A known figure in the global water industry, Tom has chaired and spoken at conferences around the world, from Helsinki, to London and Singapore. An English graduate from Exeter University, Tom completed his PMA journalism training in London.

Sponsored Recommendations

WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track

Automated Fresh Water Treatment

March 15, 2024
SCADA, Automation and Control for Efficient and Compliant Operations

Digital Transformation Enables Smart Water

March 15, 2024
During this webinar we will discuss factors driving the transformation to digital water, water industry trends, followed by a summary of solutions (products & services) available...

Smart Water Solutions: Transforming the Water Universe

March 15, 2024
Water is our most valuable resource, and efficient and effective water and wastewater handling is crucial for municipalities. As industry experts, you face a number of challenges...