New method for blue energy

Recently, researchers at Stanford University in America have developed a battery that can generate energy using freshwater and saltwater streams. This makes the research team the first to use a battery to generate 'blue energy'.

Salt gradient energy, also known as 'blue energy', exists when freshwater and seawater mix. The battery that has been developed can continuously supply itself with energy. As fresh water flows past the battery, the sodium and chloride ions are released. This creates a current from the anode to the cathode. Then the battery comes into contact with saltwater, the ions are picked up again and the tune is reversed. Because the mixing is a continuous process, the battery is charged indefinitely and a lot of energy is released.

Waste treatment plants

The researchers want to use this way of generating energy in wastewater treatment plants, because these plants already discharge into a salty environment. The current wastewater treatment plant is energy-intensive and accounts for approximately 3% of the country's total electrical energy load. With this method, the researchers want to make the water treatment plants self-sufficient by generating electricity from water. This saves on electricity and emissions, and power failure is no longer a risk.