Nanotubes boost potential of salinity power as a renewable energy source
In November 2009, Norwegian state owned electricity company Statkraft opened the worlds first osmotic power plant prototype , which generates electricity from the difference in the salt concentration between river water and sea water. While osmotic power is a clean, renewable energy source, its commercial use has been limited due to the low generating capacities offered by current technology the Statkraft plant, for example, has a capacity of about 4 kW. Now researchers have discovered a new way to harness osmotic power that they claim would enable a 1 m 2 (10.7 sq. ft.) membrane to have the same 4 kW capacity as the entire Statkraft plant.
http://www.gizmag.com/osmotic-salinity-gradient-power-nanotubes/26623/
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It would be very interesting to compare the methods available to create energy 100 years from now with the methods that we are currently aware of. Seems like new technology is being discovered all the time in this field.