%0 Thesis
%9 Master
%A Ripken, Malena
%D 2015
%F theses_frw:3056
%T Blue Energy - Barriers of up-scaling Salinity Gradient Power
%U https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/3056/
%X Blue Energy uses salinity gradient differences to gain energy by mixing waters with different salinity and applying reverse electrodialysis (RED). Different barriers and challenges delay an up-scaling of Blue Energy. The research aims to develop a classification of such barriers. Developed barriers are based on transition theory, integrated energy landscapes, and institutional barriers. The classification is translated into the conceptual framework of this research. The framework is used as a tool to identify context specific barriers of up-scaling Blue Energy in the Netherlands. The six main categories of barriers are (1) technological, (2) sense of urgency and timing, (3) spatial, (4) awareness, (5) financial, and (6) environmental barriers. The approach could also be used elsewhere for renewable technologies that are currently still insignificant in terms of energy production. The current technology is not yet mature enough for a large-scale implementation, although the overall potential to produce energy is enormous.