First plateau PV-powered micro-flush resource-oriented ecological toilet in China put into operation in Qinghai

China's first plateau PV-powered eco-toilet. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China's first plateau photovoltaic (PV)‑powered micro‑flush resource‑oriented ecological toilet began operating on June 30 in Qinghai's Malayi village.

Concurrently, a PV‑powered waterless public toilet in Yangjiashan village, Haidong, and household toilet upgrades for 10 assisted families were completed.

The project, co‑promoted by State Grid Shaoxing Power Supply, the State Grid Zhejiang Marketing Service Center, and Tsinghua University's Wuxi Institute, has passed all acceptance tests and is now operating stably.

The Sanjiangyuan region — source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers — is China's "water tower". Its ecology is vital for downstream water security.

However, traditional dry toilets on the high, cold plateau lack heating, lighting, and plumbing, and untreated wastewater threatens water sources. Conventional renovations have proved unworkable.

Both public toilets use PV panels for zero‑electricity‑cost operation. Malayi's facility has 22 panels and a 20‑kWh battery, powering lighting and the flush system. In winter, modular design cuts consumption to match PV output.

The intelligent micro‑flush averages only 0.7 liters per flush — 87 percent less than standard toilets. Combined with cold‑resistant bacteria, it treats wastewater to meet irrigation standards.

Yangjiashan, perched on a hill with scarce water, uses a waterless design. Feces are degraded by microbial agents mixed with Haloxylon shell material, and the compost can be used as fertilizer.

Household toilets also have PV heating and lighting, saving about 300 yuan ($44.17) annually in electricity. Their compact purification tanks are four times smaller than traditional septic tanks, making them better suited to construction in plateau regions.

To combat winter cold, both public toilets include graphene heating on pipelines and tanks, preventing freezing and sustaining microbial activity, with indoor temperatures kept above zero.

A long‑term maintenance mechanism is in place. State Grid units and the technical team provide ongoing support and resources, while village authorities handle daily upkeep, forming a closed‑loop system. This offers a replicable model both for ensuring toilet access for residents and protecting water sources in cold, water‑scarce highlands.