Quantitative information or data is based on quantities obtained using a quantifiable measurement process. In contrast, qualitative information records qualities that are descriptive, subjective or difficult to measure.
The amount of energy potentially available from the difference in the salt concentrations of seawater and river water around the world is 1.4 to 2.6 terawatts, or about 20 % of local electricity consumption. This natural process does not produce carbon dioxide or any other polluting combustion emissions, nor does it result in thermal pollution.