China CITIC Group’s global innovations

China CITIC Group’s global innovations have been key to ensure sustainable development goals while experimenting new initiatives. China CITIC Group Co., Ltd. (originally China International Trust and Investment Corporation), founded in 1979 by Mr. Rong Yiren with the backing of Deng Xiaoping, has been a vital player in China’s economic reforms. Since its inception, CITIC Group has actively contributed to China’s modernization, introducing advanced technologies and international management practices, promoting foreign capital, and supporting China’s progressive economic agenda. The organization’s commitment to its vision: “building an excellent enterprise group and a century-old national brand” is evident in its dedication to scientific and technological innovation, state-owned enterprise reform, and regional development. With these pillars in mind, CITIC Group has successfully diversified into five major business sectors: finance, advanced technology, new materials, consumer products, and urban development, establishing itself as a world-class enterprise.

CITIC Environment: A Sustainable Vision

CITIC Environment Investment Group Co., Ltd. (CITIC Environment) serves as the environmental protection and ecological management arm of CITIC Group. This entity excels in comprehensive services and technical expertise, with a mission to be a flagship of CITIC’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. With a workforce of over 5,000 technical and management professionals, CITIC Environment provides an end-to-end service model, covering all aspects of environmental protection. This includes water treatment, hazardous waste management, green industrial services, and construction of eco-friendly infrastructure. CITIC Environment’s annual revenue surpasses 10 billion yuan, and it maintains a significant industry presence with projects in China, the United States, Southeast Asia, and other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) regions.

Flagship Projects of CITIC Environment

1. Beijing Huaifang Reclaimed Water Plant

One of the hallmark projects under CITIC Environment is the Beijing Huaifang Reclaimed Water Plant, developed in partnership with the Beijing Drainage Group. This facility stands as Asia’s largest underground, fully-enclosed reclaimed water plant, incorporating Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology from CITIC’s subsidiary, CITIC Envirotech. The plant treats up to 600,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, with the output meeting national Class IV water quality standards, suitable for surface water replenishment and landscaping. The site includes an 18-hectare wetland park and has received international acclaim, winning the prestigious IWA Project Innovation Award. The project’s innovative design allows for energy recovery, reduced carbon emissions, and reuse of high-quality sludge products in land applications.

2. Wuhan Qingshui River Project

Located in Wuhan City’s Jiangxia District, the Qingshui River Project exemplifies CITIC Environment’s commitment to protecting the Yangtze River ecosystem. Spanning 1,500 km², the project focuses on sewage treatment, flood control, and ecological restoration, with a sewage plant capable of handling 450,000 tons per day. Using the CITIC Smart Water Cloud Platform, the project integrates cutting-edge technologies like BIM, GIS, IoT, and AI for efficient life-cycle management. This digital approach modernizes traditional water management and enhances operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for water management in the region.

3. Textile Printing and Dyeing Circular Economy Industrial Park in Chaonan, Shantou

Aiming to drive circular economy principles, CITIC Environment has developed a centralized treatment facility for the textile industry in Shantou. The Chaonan park integrates various environmental services, such as sewage treatment, waste heat power generation, and solid waste disposal, creating a comprehensive “six-in-one” ecosystem. The facility’s treatment of 155,000 tons of sewage per day enables the reuse of more than 50% of high-standard reclaimed water, conserving 24 million tons of freshwater annually. Waste heat recovery generates 600,000 kWh of clean energy daily, and sludge disposal meets recycling targets, making this facility a model for sustainable industrial parks.

4. Shenzhen Gushu Water Purification Plant (Phase II)

The Gushu Water Purification Plant in Shenzhen showcases a modern de-industrialized design philosophy, transforming traditional wastewater treatment into a multifunctional urban park. As Shenzhen’s first “three-story” water purification plant, the facility’s layout includes a sewage treatment plant, parking facilities, and a 60,000-square-meter sports park on its upper level. This eco-friendly design is celebrated for maximizing land use and promoting energy conservation, further emphasizing CITIC Environment’s commitment to green urban solutions.

Memstar Technology: Pioneering in Membrane Filtration

A subsidiary of CITIC Environment, Memstar Technology has established itself as a leader in advanced membrane filtration solutions. Founded in Singapore in 2005, Memstar has built a strong global presence, specializing in high-performance membranes for water purification, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis systems. Memstar has led numerous high-profile projects, such as the Guangzhou Jingxi Underground Water Purification Plant and Beijing Huaifang Reclaimed Water Plant, demonstrating the brand’s technical leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability. With over 50% market share in industrial wastewater treatment in China, Memstar continues to innovate, aiming to set global standards in water treatment solutions.

CITIC Environment’s Role in the Belt and Road Initiative

CITIC Environment has embraced the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a strategic focus, expanding its environmental protection and water treatment services to key BRI countries. Headquartered in Singapore, its International Business Department has led numerous projects in Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and several African and Latin American nations. Examples include Kazakhstan’s KBM Oilfield Water Treatment Project, Indonesia’s water supply infrastructure in Binjai and Medan, and Malaysia’s municipal sewage treatment facilities. Through architectural design and engineering projects in countries like Egypt, Tanzania, and Botswana, CITIC is committed to building sustainable infrastructure and supporting environmental initiatives globally.

Concluding it all, China CITIC Group’s growth trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and global partnerships. By leveraging its expertise in environmental management and advanced technologies, CITIC Environment continues to play an essential role in addressing global ecological challenges, supporting China’s strategic goals, and fostering sustainable development along the Belt and Road Initiative. Through projects like the Beijing Huaifang Reclaimed Water Plant and its global Memstar operations, CITIC Group is not only shaping China’s future but also setting a high standard for environmental responsibility worldwide.