By DPA
Oslo : A prototype power plant based on the principle of osmosis is in the works in oil and gas rich Norway.
According to Norwegian group Statkraft, the plant would be in service by 2008, pending evaluation of components needed for the planned unit in Buskerud, south of the capital Oslo.
The unit will serve paper pulp manufacturer Sodra Cell Tofte’s plant and use a small river as source for fresh water used in the osmotic process.
Statkraft spokesman Knut Fjerdingstad Statkraft has no exact figure for the plant costs, but has conducted 10 years of research into the technology that was said to be emission-free and renewable.
The plant would include a membrane to separate seawater and fresh water. As water strives for equality, it flows through the membrane to the side with the highest salt concentration and creates pressure, which can then be used to drive a turbine to generate power.
The prototype unit would also study the discharge of brackish water into the Oslo fjord, Fjerdingstad said.
Statkraft estimates the potential to about 10 percent of Norway’s current power production.