A Malagasy delegation visits Tuobang Huachuang Technology in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

A government delegation from Madagascar has signed a framework agreement with Nantong-based Tuobang Huachuang Technology to deploy solar-powered desalination units to address chronic freshwater shortages affecting over 10 million people on the island country.

The deal follows a three-month development effort by the Chinese membrane-technology specialist, which integrated solar panels and battery storage into its desalination systems after Malagasy officials cited weak and unstable power grids as a major barrier to conventional equipment.

During a demonstration in Nantong, a containerized unit converted saline water into drinkable freshwater within minutes. Each unit is designed to produce 250 metric tons per day, sufficient to meet the basic needs of about 100,000 people, with corrosion-resistant components rated for 8 to 10 years of outdoor use.

A pilot unit will be shipped in a container within three months, accompanied by a five-person technical team for installation and local training. If successful, larger systems will follow, managed through a local Malagasy enterprise in coordination with the state water utility.

The delegation head noted the technology could resolve a problem that has troubled the country for centuries and the Nantong company plans to replicate the model in other water-scarce regions pending the pilot's outcome.