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.