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The development of environmental protection machinery and equipment industry is disorderly
China's environmental protection machinery and equipment industry has made significant progress in areas such as basic atmospheric treatment, urban sewage management, industrial wastewater treatment, and solid waste handling. However, compared to the advanced levels of foreign counterparts, the large-scale environmental protection equipment in China still lags significantly. Guo Baolin, vice president of the China Environmental Protection Machinery Industry Association, recently emphasized that while the industry is growing, its technological capabilities remain behind those of developed countries.
He pointed out that the development of environmental protection machinery not only enhances the sector itself but also stimulates growth in related industries such as general machinery, instrumentation, chemical engineering, information technology, and biochemistry. Despite this, the biggest challenge in achieving technological self-reliance lies in institutional limitations and a lack of innovation.
Industry experts agree that with strong government support, China’s environmental protection machinery sector has vast potential for growth. They suggest that companies should focus on absorbing and re-innovating existing technologies, accelerating the development of key large-scale equipment to meet rising demands.
As a sunrise industry, the environmental protection machinery field offers immense opportunities. In December 2005, the State Council issued the "Decision on Implementing the Scientific Outlook on Development and Strengthening Environmental Protection," which serves as a guiding document for China’s environmental and economic development over the next 15 years. The decision emphasizes water safety, river basin management, pollution control, and air quality improvement—key areas where environmental protection equipment plays a critical role.
Guo Baolin highlighted that the decision calls for greater investment in independent research and development of core environmental technologies. He noted that China still lacks intellectual property in major equipment, particularly in desulfurization systems for large power plants. This gap, he explained, is not due to manufacturing capabilities alone, but rather in process integration and conceptual approaches. For instance, in many developed countries, wastewater is viewed as a resource, and integrated treatment systems are well-established—something still lacking in China.
Experts also pointed out that using domestically produced equipment for flue gas desulphurization could save billions of yuan compared to relying on foreign technology. This not only reduces costs but also boosts domestic enterprises. However, China’s environmental industry remains fragmented, with limited coordination and innovation.
To address these challenges, experts recommend strengthening the technological innovation system, encouraging enterprise-led R&D, and promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions. Supporting small and medium-sized tech-driven enterprises and focusing on key breakthroughs in promising research areas will be essential for the industry's long-term success.
With the right strategies and continued investment, China's environmental protection machinery industry can bridge the technological gap and become a global leader in sustainable development.