The process of osmosis is an essential process in nature whereby water moves across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water potential (lowsolute concentration) to an area of low water potential (high solute concentration). It also may prove to be a clean renewable energy source. A new osmotic power plant is now being tested near Oslo in Norway to see if the power potential of the osmotic processes relating to the interaction between seawater and fresh water is substantial enough to produce significant amounts of clean renewable energy. Watch the short video and learn.
The Good: A process that requires virtually no energy to facilitate; is 100% emission free, and entirely renewable. If perfected, experts say that there is enough osmotic power potential in Europe to account for almost half of its annual energy needs.
The Bad: Bleeding edge technology that enthusiasts even claim is at least a decade away from being a significant form of energy production. Environmental effects of removing large amounts of fresh water from rivers is still unknown.
The Bottom-Line: With the clock still ticking on lifespan of our fossil-fuel based civilization, it’s important to exhaust any and all significant and practical forms of alternative/clean energy that we can…mind you that “Practical” is the operative word here.
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