From thin air: Chinese scientist introduces world's first comprehensive solution for atmospheric water harvesting: Video
A Chinese scientist has introduced a technology that could change how water-stressed regions source drinking water — by pulling it directly from the air.
Professor Wang Ruzhu, on Monday, December 22, presented what is described as the world’s first comprehensive atmospheric water-harvesting solution at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, pitching the atmosphere itself as an underused freshwater reserve in a warming world.
Wang said the system is aimed at communities that lack reliable access to tap water or natural freshwater sources, arguing that even the driest environments still contain usable moisture. According to him, one cubic metre of air can hold between 10 and 30 grams of water, while desert air contains about three to five grams.
Developed jointly by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and technology company Atmoswell, the project combines multiple existing technologies into three climate-specific solutions rather than a single, one-size-fits-all machine.
For hot and humid regions, the system relies on condensation-based air-to-water technology. Semi-arid areas use a hybrid approach that pairs energy-conversion dehumidification with condensation. In extremely dry regions, advanced adsorption materials are combined with heat-pump technology to extract moisture that would otherwise be lost.
Wang pointed to coastal and island regions such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and parts of the South China Sea, where humidity remains high despite limited freshwater supplies. He said harvesting atmospheric moisture in such areas could offer a cheaper and greener alternative to desalination.
For inland deserts far from the coast, the technology uses low-cost adsorbent materials to trap water vapour, which is then released through heating powered by solar energy or electricity before being condensed into liquid water.
Energy efficiency remains the system’s biggest hurdle. Wang said that in cold, humid climates, one kilowatt-hour of electricity can produce about four litres of water, while in dry conditions the same energy may generate just one litre.
Despite the challenges, Wang said the project focuses on reducing costs by integrating materials, components and energy management into a single optimised design. He added that commercial success would depend on whether the cost per litre can compete with — and ultimately undercut — bottled water.
Wang, a leading figure in sustainable energy research, was awarded the Global Energy Prize in 2023 for his contributions to clean and innovative energy solutions.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
