What if the future of energy didn’t rely solely on solar, wind or hydrogen, but also on… the meeting of freshwater and seawater? It may sound futuristic, yet osmotic energy—available 24/7, fully renewable, and abundantly present across the planet—is now entering a phase of rapid industrialisation.
As companies search for concrete solutions to meet their climate targets while maintaining economic performance, this often-overlooked energy source could become a major strategic asset. And it is precisely the kind of innovation we analyse every day to support our clients in the sustainable transformation of their business models.
A clean… and nearly infinite energy source
Osmotic energy, sometimes called blue electricity, is generated when freshwater meets saltwater. This natural phenomenon creates a pressure difference that can be harnessed to produce electricity. What scientists understood for decades—but could not exploit—has now become possible thanks to a technological revolution: nanofluidics. As physicist Lydéric Bocquet, CNRS research director and co-founder of the start-up Sweetch Energy, reminds us, recent advances now make it possible to deploy membranes capable of producing energy in a stable, clean and continuous way—with a global potential equivalent to 1,000 to 2,000 nuclear reactors.
Why this innovation matters for companies
In a context where organisations must simultaneously reduce emissions, secure their energy supply and control costs, osmotic energy opens new horizons:
- A non-intermittent renewable energy source
Unlike solar or wind power, it operates 24/7.
➔ A major opportunity for activities requiring constant energy. - An energy source with minimal environmental impact
No combustion, no emissions, no visual disturbance, no massive land use.
➔ Ideal for companies pursuing a credible low-carbon strategy. - Strategic value for territories
Coastal and river sites become areas of strong energy potential.
➔ New development opportunities for industrial and logistics players. - A strong contribution to CSR and CSRD objectives
Integrating innovative energy solutions strengthens sustainable transformation… and extra-financial performance.
The right moment to pay attention?
• European, American and Asian laboratories are investing massively.
• Start-ups are beginning to industrialise ready-to-install modules.
• Pilot territories are assessing the first production capacities.
The momentum is building, comparable to solar energy in the 2000s. For companies, now is the key moment to understand, anticipate and identify future business opportunities.
How we support our clients as energy innovations emerge
As a consulting firm specialised in ecological and social transition, our role is to help organisations turn these innovations into operational levers:
➔ Strategic monitoring and energy foresight
Identify the technologies that can create a long-term competitive advantage.
➔ Evaluation of opportunities for your sector
Where could osmotic energy fit into your value chain?
➔ Business model transformation
Shift from a constraint-driven mindset to an opportunity-driven approach.
➔ Support for decarbonisation and sustainable performance
Integrate innovations into a coherent, credible and measurable plan.
A signal that isn’t so weak
Far from being just a scientific concept, osmotic energy is a perfect example of an innovation “ready to accelerate.” It embodies what we deeply believe: the transition is not only an environmental imperative—it is a powerful engine of opportunity for companies. And those who anticipate it today will be the leaders of tomorrow.
Would you like to explore the energy innovations that could transform your business?
We help you turn them into a driver of sustainable performance.
➔ Contact us for a sustainability assessment of your business.
