The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment of South Korea has stepped up its efforts to bolster the seawater desalination industry, which is facing structural challenges such as high production costs and a limited domestic market. On November 11, the ministry inaugurated the 'Seawater Desalination Development Council' at Seoul Square, involving over 30 members from public institutions, major construction firms, and industry experts. This initiative is seen as a response to the ongoing water scarcity crisis exacerbated by climate change, with the aim of reviving South Korea's once-leading position in the global desalination market.

The global seawater desalination sector has transitioned significantly over the past two decades, shifting from energy-intensive distillation processes to more efficient reverse osmosis technology, which currently accounts for a growing market share. Reverse osmosis uses only a fraction of the energy compared to traditional methods, making it a more sustainable option for water procurement. This change has led to increased adoption and investment in the technology as companies are looking not only to construct facilities but also to engage in financing and managing operations.

In South Korea, the Daesan coastal desalination facility—set to be the largest in the country—will begin operations this year, producing 100,000 tons of desalinated water daily to supply local petrochemical companies. The facility is vital for regions like the Daesan industrial complex, which have struggled with frequent droughts. During the council's first meeting, discussions revolved around three key areas: technological development focusing on cost reduction and climate resilience, strategies for international expansion of domestic desalination technologies, and legislative frameworks to support these initiatives.