World’s First Osmotic Power Plant in Norway
26 November 2009 | Alternative Energy | No Comments
Osmotic power is actually the energy resulted from the difference in the salt concentration between seawater and river water. In other words, if you want to obtain carbon-neutral energy you have to mix seawater with fresh water. Statkraft recently opened world’s first osmotic power plant in Norway.
Currently the plant is focused on testing and developing the technology for commercial application which means that the energy production is temporarily limited. This type of energy could became the most important source of energy in our near future. Researchers have estimated that the global potential of salinity gradient power is equivalent to half of the European Union’s current energy production. Maybe you wonder how this technology works… It’s easy! When seawater is mixed with fresh water osmosis occurs across the membrane. A turbine starts to move due to higher pressure generated on the side of the seawater and this is how electricity is generated. This technology can be utilized with other sources of water like river water and other natural freshwater sources.
Tags: carbon-neutral energy, fresh water, fresh water osmosis, natural freshwater sources, Osmotic power, river water, salinity gradient power, salt concentration, seawater, world's first osmotic power plant in Norway