Korea Hydro Nuclear Power (KHNP) has announced plans to showcase the world's largest salt gradient power plant.
On May 12, KHNP signed a business agreement with Donghae City, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), and Dream Engineering to develop the world's first 100kW salinity gradient power plant at the Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun Hotel in Seoul, South Korea.
Salinity gradient power generation utilizes the difference in salinity between seawater and freshwater to produce electricity. Unlike photovoltaic and wind power generation, salinity gradient power generation is not subject to much variability in electrical energy production, so it can be used as a renewable energy source for base load.
This technology is particularly useful because energy can be stored for a longer time than batteries, and hydrogen can be produced without water electrolysis. It is also expected to contribute to the efficiency of seawater desalination plants.
Through this agreement, KHNP will oversee comprehensive project management related to the demonstration of 100kW-class salinity gradient power generation. Donghae City will provide land for the demonstration complex and support for permits and permits, KIER will provide various support including overall technology, and Dream Engineering will be in charge of power plant design.
“KHNP will take the lead in supplying clean and stable energy by successfully demonstrating salinity gradient power generation, which is considered an uncharted territory," said Hwang Joo-ho, CEO of KHNP. "We will continue to develop various new technologies to realize carbon neutrality and foster the future energy industry.”
