Platform Overview
Green Transformation of Wastewater Treatment
Traditional wastewater treatment is primarily designed to remove pollutants and comply with effluent discharge standards. Aerobic biological treatment is commonly used, but it may involve high electricity consumption, energy-related carbon emissions, and the generation of large quantities of waste sludge. Compared with conventional technologies, emerging treatment technologies are innovative, breakthrough, or disruptive approaches generally based on recent scientific research or technological developments. They have not yet been widely adopted in the market or remain at an early stage of application (Technology Readiness Level: 4-9). The Ministry of Environment is promoting the green transformation of wastewater treatment and the application of emerging wastewater treatment technologies that are consistent with net-zero emissions and resource circularity. The focus is on technology research, development, and application to support industries in addressing wastewater-related issues, reducing and preventing pollution, and responding to trends in net-zero carbon reduction and resource circularity. The main areas of implementation are as follows:
I. Green Transformation of Wastewater Management to Support Carbon Reduction and Circularity
To address the carbon reduction requirements and emerging pollutant challenges faced by conventional wastewater treatment, the Ministry is promoting a shift in wastewater management approaches. The objective is to advance energy and resource recovery from wastewater and to promote low-carbon and intelligent treatment.
II. Institutional Measures to Provide Drivers for Industrial Transformation
From a regulatory perspective, amendments to effluent discharge standards, including the introduction of new control standards or the tightening of existing standards, are used to promote the development of resource recovery in wastewater treatment. Amendments to the Regulations Concerning Water Pollution Control Measures and Plans and Permit Applications and Review also support the upgrading and transformation of industrial wastewater treatment toward energy and resource recovery, energy conservation and generation, and hazard reduction, with the aim of maintaining water body quality.
III. Incentives and Subsidies to Strengthen Domestic Technical Capacity
Incentives and subsidies are provided for innovation, research, and development in wastewater treatment technologies to support the development of domestic technologies. Forward-looking budget funding is provided to local governments for the establishment of demonstration sites, industrial transformation and upgrading, the development of green energy and resource circularity systems, and smart applications for water quality management. The Water Purification Sustainability Award is presented to recognize benchmark enterprises with strong performance. Possible reductions or exemptions for water pollution control fees will also be considered in subsequent policy review.
In 2024, the Ministry of Environment announced the Guidelines for Ministry of Environment Subsidies for Innovation and Research and Development Projects in Wastewater Treatment Technologies. Since 2024, proposals have been publicly invited each year under categories including "Innovative Research and Development" and "Technology Advancement and Application." The program promotes the research, development, and application of emerging wastewater treatment technologies to address problems encountered at full-scale facilities. In addition to supporting the Ministry's policy programs and operational development, future implementation is expected to place greater emphasis on field application and to provide more targeted assistance in addressing technical difficulties faced by industries, thereby implementing the objective of "industry identifies the problem, government supports the solution."
In addition to subsidizing the research, development, and application of wastewater treatment technologies with potential, the Ministry of Environment is promoting the green transformation of wastewater treatment and introducing new approaches to wastewater treatment and management. The Ministry has established the "Green Transformation of Wastewater Treatment - Emerging Wastewater Treatment Technology Application Platform." The platform provides information on emerging wastewater treatment technologies that support low-carbon and net-zero objectives, resource circularity, green energy (energy conservation and energy generation), and smart applications (including 4L + C), and that feature green separation, high-efficiency removal, circular recovery, or smart integration. It also provides technology updates, relevant laws and regulations, case studies, and implementation results for reference by users seeking applicable technologies.
