Table of Contents
- Seawater Desalination Facility: A Platform for Regional Coexistence Rebirth
- Residents' Conference and Key Participants
- Seawater Desalination Facility Series 1: A Future Water Industry Testbed
- Seawater Desalination Facility Series 2: Transition to Industrial Water Supply
- Step-by-Step Completion Plan by 2030
- Conclusion: Seawater Desalination Facility as a New Value Creation Platform
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Seawater Desalination Facility: A Platform for Regional Coexistence Rebirth
The city of Busan is looking for new ways to utilize the Gijang seawater desalination facility, presenting strategies for development in conjunction with the local community.
This facility is planned to be not only a means to convert seawater into drinking water but also a key infrastructure for advanced water industry involving industrial water supply, green hydrogen production, resource recovery, and reuse of treated sewage. The potential for utilization in various fields is expected to grow.
Residents' Conference and Key Participants
On September 3rd at 10:30 AM, a residents' conference was held at the Gijang seawater desalination facility. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Busan Mayor Park Hyung-jun, National Assembly member Jeong Dong-man, Gijang County Mayor Jeong Jong-bok, and officials from the Busan City Council and Gijang County Council.
During this conference, plans to purify and reuse the water discharged from the Gijang seawater desalination facility and the Gijang-Ilgwang sewage treatment plant as industrial water were discussed for implementation, based on the framework laid out by Busan City in April 2025. Participants exchanged opinions on these plans and discussed future developments.
This conference introduced solutions for utilizing the seawater desalination facility, which had not been operational for the past 11 years, directly to local residents. Furthermore, the commitment to proceed with projects was solidified through signing business agreements with companies and relevant institutions requiring industrial water.
In this event, Busan City signed agreements with organizations such as Korea Water Resources Corporation, Korea Steel Co., Ltd., Hyosung Electric Co., Ltd., Geumyang Co., Ltd., Asan Innotech, Busan Environment Corporation, and Busan Industrial Complex Development Council. Through this collaboration, they plan to establish a stable industrial water supply system in the East Busan industrial complex.
This agreement is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the local economy and sustainable development.
Seawater Desalination Facility Series 1: A Future Water Industry Testbed
The first stage of the seawater desalination facility will transform into a demonstration facility for desalinating seawater. Here, innovative technologies such as ▲green hydrogen production ▲salinity gradient power generation ▲resource recovery will be tested and developed, leading innovation in sustainable water industry.
Through this, Busan aims to create a new industrial ecosystem that encompasses energy and environment beyond just water supply while also presenting a model applicable nationwide. Through such efforts, it is expected to lead the future of the water industry and contribute to sustainable development.
Seawater Desalination Facility Series 2: Transition to Industrial Water Supply
Series 2 will be converted into a system that recycles treated sewage from nearby treatment plants to supply as industrial water. Through this, companies in the East Busan industrial complex will be able to rely on stable industrial water at economical prices instead of expensive drinking water.
Previously, companies in the East Busan industrial complex had to pay a high price of 2410 won per ton for drinking water, which was a burden. However, upon completion of this project, the unit price for supplying industrial water is expected to drastically decrease to 800 won per ton.
This change is anticipated to significantly contribute to reducing production costs for companies and enhancing their competitiveness. Furthermore, it is expected to have a positive impact on Busan's industrial ecosystem. More detailed information can be found in the post below.
Step-by-Step Completion Plan by 2030
Busan plans to complete the seawater desalination facility series 1 and 2 by 2030.
The series 1 project will secure the necessary funding in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and proceed with the detailed design and related procedures.
On the other hand, the series 2 project will be implemented through private investment (BTO), receiving proposals and undergoing eligibility assessment.
This plan holds significant importance in moving forward to become a sustainable water circulation city beyond simple facility utilization.
Conclusion: Seawater Desalination Facility as a New Value Creation Platform
Busan is planning to develop the seawater desalination facility not just as a water supply facility, but as a center for water circulation utilization and innovation in the water industry.
To achieve this goal, Busan intends to actively reflect the voice of residents and build a growth model in collaboration with local businesses. These efforts are expected to become a driving force for Busan's future growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How is the Gijang seawater desalination facility being utilized beyond just supplying drinking water?
The Gijang seawater desalination facility is utilized as an advanced water industry infrastructure for industrial water supply, green hydrogen production, and resource recovery.
Busan City is developing the Gijang seawater desalination facility as a crucial infrastructure of the advanced water industry, which encompasses industrial water supply, green hydrogen production, resource recovery, and reuse of treated sewage. This will allow a stable supply of water and energy to industrial complexes and is planned to evolve into a testbed for future water industry innovations.
Q. What were the main discussion points at the residents' conference on September 3, 2023, regarding the Gijang seawater desalination facility?
The conference discussed plans for industrial water supply and the signing of agreements through the reuse of treated sewage from the desalination facility.
On September 3, Busan City held a residents' conference to disclose utilization plans for the facility. Attendees agreed to move forward with plans to purify discharged water from the seawater desalination facility and the sewage treatment plant to use as industrial water. Additionally, Busan City and various companies and organizations established a cooperation system for stable industrial water supply within the East Busan industrial complex.
Q. What are the roles and differences between Series 1 and Series 2 of the seawater desalination facility?
Series 1 tests innovative technologies such as green hydrogen production, while Series 2 supplies industrial water by recycling treated sewage.
Series 1 will be utilized as a demonstration facility for desalinating seawater while testing advanced technologies such as green hydrogen production, salinity gradient power generation, and resource recovery. It contributes to the creation of a sustainable water and energy industry ecosystem. Conversely, Series 2 focuses on establishing a recycling system for nearby treated sewage, aiming to supply low-cost and stable industrial water to companies, significantly reducing their cost burdens.
Q. What benefits will companies in the East Busan industrial complex gain from the establishment of Series 2 of the Gijang seawater desalination facility?
The unit price for industrial water supply is expected to drop from 2410 won per ton to 800 won, leading to cost savings for businesses.
Previously, companies in the East Busan industrial complex incurred significant costs using drinking water at 2410 won per ton. Upon completion of the Series 2 project, industrial water sourced from recycled treated sewage will be supplied at 800 won per ton, resulting in significant cost reductions. This is expected to enhance competitiveness and positively impact the local industrial ecosystem.
Q. When does Busan City plan to complete the seawater desalination facility projects, and what will be the methods of implementation?
The goal is to complete Series 1 and 2 by 2030, with Series 1 in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Series 2 using private investment (BTO).
Busan City plans to sequentially complete the seawater desalination facility Series 1 and 2 by 2030. Series 1 will progress through funding secured in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and related procedures, while Series 2 will be implemented through a private investment method (BTO), involving proposal submissions and eligibility assessments. This plan will contribute to the establishment of a sustainable water circulation city.
