Ocean Thermal Energy
Receiving about 70% of all sunlight, the oceans are by far the largest solar collector on the world. The naturally existing thermocline and the Ocean’s thermohaline circulation create an energy system big enough that by exploiting just a fraction of that energy, we have enough to power the globe. In addition to electricity production, Ocean Thermal Energy allows for co-generation of other products such as air conditioning and clean drinking water. It can also be applied to enhance agriculture and aquaculture productivity.
OTEC
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a marine renewable energy technology that harnesses the solar energy absorbed by the oceans. It generates baseload electricity utilizing the temperature difference between the cold deep water and the warm surface water of the ocean. OTEC is viable primarily in equatorial areas where the year-round temperature differential is at least 20 degrees Celsius. OTEC has been independently assessed to have the potential to significantly contribute to the future global energy mix.
Environment
Ocean Thermal Energy is a renewable, zero-emissions resource enabling environmentally sustainable energy generation. It’s one of the most benign energy production technologies providing a clean and safe alternative to conventional energy generation. Also, through proper design and accurate evaluation of all potentially significant concerns for each site, environmental disruptions can be avoided or mitigated.
