Energy Recovery Inc (ERI) announced on 15 October 2013 that it has signed a mutual cooperation agreement with Seoul-based global company GS Engineering & Construction Corporation (GS E&C Corp), part of Korean conglomerate GS Group, to significantly advance osmotic power generation using ERI’s PX Pressure Exchanger® technology.
A pilot program is already underway, and it is anticipated that a unit will be operational in 2014 at GS E&C Corp’s research and development center in Korea.
The process of pressure-retarded osmosis is created by juxtaposing seawater with freshwater, where the resulting osmotic power serves as both a renewable and consistent source of electricity. While still the in the early stages, the best estimates of global production potential of osmotic power exceed 1,600 terawatt hours, or the equivalent of half of Europe’s entire energy demand, says ERI.
Initially developed for seawater reverse osmosis desalination, ERI’s PX devices have shown potential and created interest across many industries due to their adaptability, reliability and efficiency.