In Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture, an osmotic power plant has begun operating. It is the second such installation in the world, and its distinctive feature is that it generates electricity through the natural process of osmosis — the mixing of fresh and seawater.
The technology is based on a membrane that separates water with different salt concentrations. The difference in salinity creates pressure, which is converted into energy. The power generated is enough to operate the adjacent desalination plant. In other words, it solves two tasks at once — producing clean energy and providing fresh water.
The main advantage of this type of energy is its stability. Unlike solar or wind power plants, an osmotic installation does not depend on the time of day or the weather. That means it can be used for round-the-clock power supply in regions with high demand on grids.
The project is especially important for coastal and arid regions. Although some energy is lost due to friction in the membranes and during water pumping, the technology has strong prospects. Osmotic plants do not require large areas, do not emit carbon dioxide, and do not disrupt ecosystems. It is solutions like this that may change the energy map of the future.
