Fukuoka, Japan, has inaugurated the country's first osmotic power plant, designed to generate energy from the difference in salinity to power a desalination plant.

The osmotic power plant in Fukuoka, Japan, is the second of its kind in the world and has an annual capacity of 880,000 kWh, enough for 220 households. Using osmosis, power is generated by migrating fresh water to salt water, creating pressure for the turbines. While there are efficiency challenges, using concentrated brine improves performance. The project, although modest, is an important step in the diversification of renewable energy sources, with potential to power desalination infrastructure.