Blue Gold: Cleantech opportunities in clean water solutions in China

One of the key industries of interest to Evotech is water, especially water needs in China. Evotech has heavily researched this opportunity and made significant investments in this region. This report is the result of many groups, and led by the China Cleantech Initiative. The following is a sector snapshot of water:

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WATER

China’s population growth and economic development will continue to drive significant increases in demand for clean water, which is projected to grow to 654 billion cubic meters in 2030, a 47% increase over 1980. China’s need to meet this growing demand will inevitably place more pressure on existing fresh water supplies.

With per capita water resources equivalent to only one-fourth of the world average,

China faces severe water challenges. North China’s water resources, a mere 11%

of those in South China (on a per capita basis), are particularly stressed. Water pollution further diminishes China’s usable water resources. China’s industrial and domestic water users discharge 50+ billion tons of wastewater into the country’s natural water bodies each year. As much as 70% of China’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs are seriously impacted by water pollution.

The annual cost of China’s water scarcity (i.e. imbalance between availability and demand), due to pollution and depletion of groundwater is estimated at 147 billion yuan (US$21.8 billion), almost 1% of China’s annual economic output.

China’s insufficient water infrastructure coverage, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates scarcity and pollution and contributes to health problems among supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, leaves a significant portion of the population underserved.

For the full report, click here

CREDIT: THE CHINA GREENTECH REPORT 2009