Leveraging Blue Energy for Sustainable Power Generation at Seaports
Keywords:
Blue Energy Pressure-Retarded Osmosis (PRO), Seaport Sustainability, Carbon Emission Reduction, Renewable Energy Integration.Abstract
Seaports are one of the crucial elements for global trade, performing as pivotal points for goods transportation and bridging countries to cross-border market connectivity. However, seaports leave a major ecological footprint due to the dependence on non-renewable energy for port operations, which lead to carbon emissions. By utilising the natural salinity gradient between the saltwater and freshwater, seaports can implement salinity gradient energy systems, like salinity gradient osmosis (SGO), to generate sustainable and renewable electricity. This is in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 7: Affordable & Clean Energy; Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 14: Life Below Water. Adopting a blue energy system for port operation can significantly reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, lower CO2 emissions and contribute to the port’s sustainable initiatives. Harnessing the resources of saltwater and freshwater for the generation of electricity via a blue energy system strengthens energy reliability and enhances the seaport’s progression towards a sustainable economic model and reinforces its commitments to environmental conservation.
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