Alumnus Dr. Chen Guang Shared Insights on the Development and Challenges of Shanghai's Drainage System

On April 8, 2025, CESE hosted a lecture as part of the Graduate Advanced Lecture Series, featuring an exclusive presentation by Dr. Chen Guang, an alumnus of CESE who currently serves as Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Chengtou Water Group and holds the title of Professor-rank Senior Engineer. During the lecture, Dr. Chen provided an in-depth overview of the more than 120-year history and technological evolution of Shanghai’s drainage system. He emphasized that urban water management should follow the guiding principles of "prioritizing pollution treatment, intercepting pollutants at the source, and addressing both symptoms and root causes," while promoting the coordinated development of "green, grey, blue, and pipeline" infrastructure.

Dr. Chen systematically analyzed the current challenges faced by Shanghai’s drainage system and introduced an innovative multi-dimensional protection framework designed to address these issues. He also discussed Shanghai’s ongoing initiatives in wastewater reuse and low-carbon sludge incineration, aimed at advancing the green and efficient transformation of the drainage system.

The lecture was moderated by Vice Dean Zheng Xiong and attended by nearly 90 faculty members and students. The subsequent Q&A session was lively and engaging, with active participation from the audience. Dr. Chen expressed his hope that through multi-stakeholder collaboration and continued technological innovation, Shanghai’s drainage system can achieve sustainable development.