渗透能将成可再生能源新“潜力股”

Core Insights - Salinity difference between river water and seawater is emerging as a significant renewable energy source through osmotic power generation, which utilizes osmotic pressure to drive turbines for electricity production [1][2] - The World Economic Forum has identified osmotic power as one of the top ten emerging technologies to watch by 2025, with advancements in nanofluidics and membrane technology expected to facilitate its commercialization [1][2] Technological Advancements - Since the 1950s, osmotic energy has garnered attention, but early attempts in the 1970s faced challenges due to low membrane efficiency, hindering commercialization [2] - Recent breakthroughs in nanofluidics and membrane design have made commercialization feasible, with companies like Sweetch Energy developing advanced nanoporous membranes that significantly enhance ion migration performance [2][3] Market Potential - The global potential for osmotic energy is substantial, with estimates suggesting that major deltas and estuaries release approximately 30,000 terawatt-hours annually, exceeding total global electricity demand [2] - Sweetch Energy's pilot plant, OsmoRhône, is expected to achieve a capacity of 500 megawatts, sufficient to power over 1.5 million households, with projected costs dropping to €100 per megawatt-hour by 2030, making it competitive with traditional energy sources [3] Competitive Landscape - Companies are actively exploring osmotic energy opportunities in regions rich in resources, with Japan recently launching its first osmotic power plant, expected to generate 880,000 kilowatt-hours annually [4] - Danish company SaltPower is innovating by utilizing high-concentration saline solutions from geothermal sites, opening new technological pathways for osmotic energy development [4] Energy Resilience - Osmotic energy is anticipated to complement wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, potentially meeting up to 15% of global electricity demand by 2050 if fully developed [5][6] - The integration of osmotic energy with other renewable technologies could enhance regional energy resilience and promote sustainable resource management, including innovations in seawater desalination and recovery of critical resources like lithium and nitrogen [6]