China has emerged as a global leader in sustainable water technology, taking home two significant honors at the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. Organized by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the award recognizes pioneering projects that address the growing challenge of global water scarcity using renewable energy and innovative technologies. The total prize pool for this prestigious competition stands at USD 1 million, attracting top talents and companies from around the world.
In a notable achievement, two Chinese entities—Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co Ltd and Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd—secured first runner-up in the Innovative Projects Award (Small Projects category). Their award-winning Microgrid Seawater Treatment system presents a promising solution for water-stressed regions. Installed on an isolated island, the containerized desalination plant integrates renewable energy sources with advanced triple-stage reverse-osmosis technology to produce up to 100 tonnes of fresh drinking water per day.
What makes the project particularly groundbreaking is its complete reliance on sustainable energy. A 100kW solar power system provides the necessary energy to operate the desalination plant, while full automation and remote monitoring ensure efficient and reliable performance. The treated water meets China’s national GB 5749 drinking water standards, ensuring safety and quality for the island’s 500 residents. Beyond addressing the community’s basic water needs, the project has also stimulated local economic growth by supporting agriculture, tourism, and job creation.
Speaking on the occasion, Wang Hua, Deputy General Manager of Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd, said, “Our project aligns seamlessly with the award’s mission by integrating renewable energy, advanced distillation, and sustainable water management practices. Being recognized on this global platform not only brings international attention to our technology but also opens doors for further collaboration, expansion, and innovation.”
In addition to corporate recognition, China also celebrated individual achievement through Professor Xu Zhenyuan, who received the Innovative Individual Award (Youth Award category). In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Professor Xu developed a Passive Solar Distillation system that offers a highly efficient, scalable, and affordable solution for producing clean water, especially in off-grid and remote areas.
Professor Xu’s system employs a sophisticated design of layered solar evaporators combined with transparent aerogel insulation to maximize solar energy absorption. The multi-stage process reuses solar heat multiple times, significantly boosting efficiency. The system is capable of generating over 5.78 liters of purified drinking water per square meter per hour, even under highly saline conditions that typically challenge conventional desalination technologies.
One of the system’s key advantages is its accessibility: it requires no electricity to operate and is made from widely available, low-cost materials. This makes it an ideal solution for communities that lack access to centralized water infrastructure or stable power sources. Professor Xu’s research has not only contributed to academic advancements but also raised public awareness on the critical water-energy nexus, emphasizing the role of renewable energy in addressing future water challenges.
“As global populations rise and environmental pressures intensify, the world’s water crisis will become increasingly severe,” said Professor Xu. “This award reinforces the importance of developing renewable energy-powered solutions to ensure sustainable access to clean water. It inspires me to move beyond academic research and focus on real-world applications that can directly benefit communities and promote a more sustainable future.”
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award continues to serve as a global stage for innovators dedicated to solving one of humanity’s most pressing problems. By recognizing groundbreaking work in water technology, the award helps drive international collaboration, supports the advancement of cutting-edge solutions, and emphasizes the vital role of renewable energy in securing the planet’s water future.
