Osmotic power — power production based on the osmotic pressure difference between waters with varying salt gradients

Statkraft engaged in the development of osmotic power technology in 1997, and is today the most prominent developer of the osmotic power technology in a global context. The commercialisation of osmotic power is dependent on large volumes of sufficiently efficient semi-permeable membranes with high flux and salt retention. In addition to developing the technological concept and critical parts of the system, such as the membrane technology, Statkraft has also identified the energy potential, the financial aspects and the environmental implications of the technology. Osmotic power stands out as a promising and yet unexploited, new renewable energy sources. Throughout the last years, Statkraft has been successful in its furtherance of the necessary membrane technology and has recently started the detailed planning and design of the first osmotic power prototype plant in which it will further verify and test the technology.

In this paper, we have sought to introduce the reader to the concept of osmotic power and the latest developments on the way to commercialisation. Osmotic power stands out as a promising and yet unexploited new, renewable energy sources. Statkraft will therefore continue its efforts to develop osmotic power into an available source of new renewable energy source for the near future. The most prominent challenge is the PRO membrane efficiency. The membrane chemistry must be optimised, final designs must be developed and manufacturing must be up-scaled. To exploit the full potential, Statkraft has decided to invite commercial membrane producers to discuss membrane development partnership. To verify our analysis and to seek further knowledge of the osmotic power process and the system while at the same time creating a test ground for osmotic power elements, Statkraft has decided to plan the building of an osmotic power plant prototype. After proof of concept in the prototype, a full scale demonstration plant and introduction to the energy market will follow.