A view of Phase 2 of the Biomedical Enterprise Accelerator at the Shenzhen State Biological Industry Base in Pingshan District. Photo by Liu Yujie
A newly established wastewater treatment plant within the Shenzhen State Biological Industry Base in Pingshan District is the city's first and only facility dedicated to serving a biopharmaceutical base. Part of an initiative to alleviate the wastewater treatment burden on enterprises, it aims to reduce operational expenses and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
With an investment of 448 million yuan (US$61.6 million), the plant spans 2.08 hectares with underground facilities. It is designed to have a daily processing capacity of 10,000 cubic meters of wastewater, serving enterprises within a 330-hectare radius. The plant enhances operational efficiency, reduces industrial project investments, mitigates environmental risks, and contributes to the preservation of river ecosystems.
In addition to serving existing enterprises in the base, the plant also benefits newly established industrial parks nearby, such as the ZC Bio-Med Park and the Yesun Life and Health Technology Park.
Company representatives have expressed satisfaction with the new plant. Xie Bensong, from Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., mentioned that since Salubris' factory opened in 2013, it has encountered significant challenges in treating production wastewater.
"Previously, we handled industrial wastewater in-house, which not only required complex processing techniques but also resulted in high treatment costs. Now, the new plant has streamlined our treatment processes. Looking ahead, Salubris will launch new projects in Pingshan," stated Xie.
Wang Wenqiang, also from Salubris, agreed that since the opening of the new plant, the company has witnessed a reduction of up to 40% in material spending, electricity usage, equipment maintenance, and other operational costs.
Feng Xianli, manager of China Associate Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., emphasized that centralized wastewater treatment is key to both economic and environmental benefits. "Centralized treatment has slashed our processing costs by almost 50%. The plant employs more advanced and stable processing technology than our own, which significantly lowers the risk of exceeding wastewater emission standards," stated Feng.
Li Jing of Shenzhen ScienCare Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. also expressed confidence that the new centralized treatment plant will significantly reduce costs and improve environmental compliance.