Next generation of osmotic power stations

Statkraft has assigned a new two-year project to SINTEF to carry out research on osmotic power generation. New membrane technology and long-term trials will bring this renewable energy source one step closer to viability. Globally, the energy generating potential of osmotic generation is estimated at around 1650 TWh, which corresponds to around 12 times Norway’s annual energy production. The principle of osmotic power generation is the release of so-called “mixing energy” when fresh water is mixed with salt water. An osmotic generating station uses a semi-permeable membrane to extract this energy.