Abstract: It has been known for centuries that mixing freshwater and seawater releases energy. Statkraft has utilised Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) to capture this energy and proved that it is possible to produce electricity from mixing freshwater and saltwater. Fall 2009 Statkraft completed and put in operation the world’s first prototype of an osmotic power plant. The global potential of this energy source represents a worldwide electricity production of more than 1600 TWh per year. Large scale development of osmotic energy will not only give a completely renewable and emissions-free power, it will also provide baseload energy with minimal ecological footprint.
Meeting future energy and climate needs requires growth and investments in renewables, across a broad range of technologies. Through cost reductions, a conducive policy framework and a critical mass of developers, osmotic power should be a natural part of the new renewable energy portfolio.
