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The objective of this programme is to spread knowledge on renewable energy technologies and to facilitate the development of small and medium size initiatives in partnership with other actors.

Home » groups » energy technology watch

Osmotic power

Submitted by Hans Nilsson on Fri, 2006-10-06 05:56.

Statkraft in Norway has, for some time, developed concepts for osmotic power, i.e. the power from the differences in pressure between salt seawater and sweet freshwater, the latter passing through a membrane (see figure below).

The potential is far from negligble. The Norwegians estimate their potential to be 12-25 TWh annually corresponding to 10-20% of their present generation capacity. For Europe, they estimate it to be 200-250 TWh, according to an article in the Swedish magazine ERA.

The same source says that they have managed to boost the membrane capacity from 0.1 W/sqm to 2 W/sqm, and that they aim for 5. The membranes are said to be produced in the Netherlands where there is also a similar idea developed within a project called Wetsus.


(Click image to enlarge)