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Harnessing Salinity Gradient Power for Sustainable Electricity Generation in Coastal Bangladesh
31 December - 31 December 2022   |   Events

The pilot project, "Electricity Production Using the Salinity of the Seawater in the Coastal Area of Bangladesh," was a research initiative aimed at harnessing Salinity Gradient Power (SGP) to address energy shortages in remote coastal regions. Its primary purpose is to provide sustainable, renewable energy to communities on St. Martin’s Island, which currently rely on expensive, polluting diesel generators that harm local coral ecosystems and marine life such as sea turtles. By utilizing seawater as a medium, the project was seeking to reduce CO2 emissions and sound pollution while enhancing the livelihoods of local fishermen and residents. The research was held from 2022-2023.

 

Co-hosted by the Maritime Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bangladesh) and the University of Dhaka, this IORA Special Fund research combined laboratory development with direct community engagement. Participation has centered on local stakeholders, including fishermen and island families who take part in field surveys, interviews, and workshops designed to educate them about Blue Energy and renewable sources. 

 

Key activities included: 

  •  iterative development and testing of two primary technologies: a portable "lamp solution" for illumination and a larger "home solution" intended for powering multiple appliances like fans.  
  • The research team has conducted four group field visits to gather feedback and provide prototypes to needy families, ensuring the technology is easy-to-use and durable.  
  •  Six prototypes of both saltwater-based lamps and Reverse Electro Dialysis (RED) systems have been developed. While the salt lamps provide satisfactory light for household tasks and night fishing, the RED systems are still being optimized to reach the necessary voltage for larger appliances. 

 

This initiative is highly relevant to IORA’s commitment to the Blue Economy and sustainable development. By exploring the global technical potential of Blue Energy estimated at 980 gigawatts, the project served as a model for coastal resilience and environmental stewardship throughout the Indian Ocean region, aiming to bridge the gap between sustainable energy and economic growth.