China is speeding up construction of seawater desalination plants for its sustainable development drive, the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said Thursday.
Eight desalination plants were built in 2013, bringing the total to 103 by the end of 2013, producing over 900,000 tonnes of fresh water each day.
"Use of seawater is a key part of China's drive to recycle, save energy and protect the environment," the statement said.
Northern areas mostly use desalinated water for industrial purposes such as electricity and steel, while projects in the south cater more to civilian needs.
Nearly 90 billion tonnes of seawater was used as a coolant for various industries including power and petrochemicals in 2013.