*2.5. Theoretical Potential for Generating SGE*

Reyes-Mendoza et al. [35] have reported the theoretical potential of SGE available in La Carbonera lagoon, based on the thermohaline structure and environmental factors (evaporation, air temperature, etc.). There are three possible plant configurations to harness the saline gradient of the lagoon: freshwater/seawater (FW/SW), freshwater/hypersaline water (FW/HW), and seawater/hypersaline water (SW/HW). The energy available from these are the following:


On the other hand, the great variations in the thermohaline structure determine the variability of the power potential throughout the year. For a capacity factor of 90%, the installed capacity for the FW/SW configuration should be 0.133 kWh, for the SW/HW configuration 0.25 kWh, and for the FW/HW configuration, 0.527 kWh [35]. These figures were obtained considering the mixing of 1 m3/s of saline and fresh water.
