The 24th November 2009 a new technology branch had its entrance to the green arena by Norwegian Statkraft.
Osmosis or Pressure retarded Osmosis is a technology build on the fact that Saltwater from the sea and freshwater from rivers have a strong desire to mix themselves.
If an organic water molecule passing membrane separates seawater from freshwater the freshwater will go through the membrane to the seawater creating a pressure of theoretically 26 Bars that can drive a turbine to create electricity.
The Norwegian plant will as a start only produce 4 kW but the potential is globally 1700 TWh per year or more.
Technology Potential:
+ It is very green and have very little negative effect on nature producing mixed salt and fresh water as a residual.
+ It produces a steady flow of electricity
- Initially it will be expensive but in time if the volumes of the membranes go up it could be attractive from an economic perspective
Commercial launch of this technology is planned for 2015.
Principle of operation described in the image below:
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