Environmental Assessment of the Impacts and Benefits of a Salinity Gradient Energy Pilot Plant

Although the technologies involved in converting saline gradient energy (SGE) are rapidly developing, few studies have focused on evaluating possible environmental impacts. In this work, impacts of a hypothetical 50 kW RED plant installed La Carbonera Lagoon, Yucatan, Mexico, addressed. The theoretical support was taken from literature review and analysis components pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) reverse electrodialysis (RED) technologies. study performed under three-stage scheme (construction, operation, dismantling) for which stress-inducing factors that can drive changes elements (receptors) were determined. turn, modifications to dynamics ecosystem (responses) assessed. Since it is small-scale plant, only local expected. This shows well-designed SGE low impact also be benefit ecotourism conservation while contributing clean, renewable supply. Moreover, same another location system could lead huge flows resident times coastal lagoon water, causing great damage biotic abiotic environment.