OSMOTIC POWER GENERATION: MEMBRANE DESIGN, EFFICIENCY, AND DEPLOYMENT BARRIERS

Abstract

Osmotic power systems have emerged as a promising low-carbon energy technology capable of converting salinity-gradient energy into usable electricity. This paper examines the role of membrane design, system efficiency, and deployment barriers in determining the practical viability of osmotic power generation. The study focuses on pressure-retarded osmosis and related membrane-based configurations, where freshwater and saline water interactions generate pressure or ionic movement that can be converted into electrical power. The results indicate that membrane performance remains the most critical factor influencing energy output, particularly in terms of water flux, salt rejection, fouling resistance, and long-term mechanical stability. Improved membrane selectivity and reduced internal concentration polarization were found to enhance power density and operational efficiency. However, large-scale implementation is still constrained by high membrane fabrication costs, pretreatment requirements, biofouling, limited field validation, and site-specific availability of suitable freshwater–saltwater gradients. The findings suggest that osmotic power can support future renewable energy portfolios, especially in coastal regions, wastewater treatment plants, desalination facilities, and industrial brine management systems. Overall, the study highlights that osmotic power is technically promising but requires further advances in membrane materials, module design, cost reduction, and policy support before it can become commercially competitive with mature renewable energy technologies.