What is the potential of ocean thermal energy conversion in renewable energy generation?

Introduction

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a renewable energy technology that harnesses the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater to generate electricity. This technology has gained attention due to its potential to provide a stable and clean energy source, along with various by-products that can benefit multiple industries.

Key Insights

High Energy Potential and Environmental Benefits:
- OTEC has the potential to generate significant amounts of electricity, with estimates suggesting it could meet a substantial portion of global energy needs .
- OTEC can also help mitigate climate change by removing heat from the ocean surface and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels .
Economic and Technical Viability:
- Recent advancements and higher oil prices have improved the economic and technical feasibility of OTEC, making it more attractive for implementation .
- The integration of OTEC with other energy, food, and water production systems can enhance its cost-effectiveness, especially in small island developing states (SIDSs).
Regional and Global Potential:
- Specific regions, such as the Brazilian Ocean Thermal Energy Park and the Aguni Basin, have been identified as having high potential for OTEC due to favorable temperature gradients and ocean conditions .
- The global potential for OTEC is vast, with estimates suggesting it could generate up to 87,600 TWh of electricity annually, far exceeding current global electricity demand.
Complementary Systems and By-products:
- OTEC systems can be integrated with other renewable energy sources like solar and wind to improve efficiency and stability.
- By-products of OTEC, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and desalinated water, can provide additional economic and environmental benefits .
Challenges and Future Prospects:
- Despite its potential, OTEC faces challenges such as high initial capital costs and efficiency losses due to biofouling and system power requirements .
- Continued research and development, along with subsidized demonstration plants, are necessary to overcome these challenges and realize the full potential of OTEC .

Conclusion

OTEC presents a promising solution for renewable energy generation with significant environmental and economic benefits. Its potential to generate large amounts of electricity, coupled with the ability to produce valuable by-products, makes it an attractive option for addressing global energy needs. However, overcoming technical and economic challenges through continued research and integrated systems will be crucial for its widespread adoption.

What is the potential of ocean thermal energy conversion in renewable energy generation?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Potential for conversion of thermal energy in electrical energy: Highlighting the Brazilian Ocean Thermal Energy Park and the Inverse Anthropogenic Effect

The Brazilian Ocean Thermal Energy Park has the potential to generate electric energy and remove ocean heat, reducing climate change impacts and promoting renewable energy development.

Revisiting ocean thermal energy conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) shows potential for clean, renewable energy, potable water, refrigeration, and aquaculture products, with higher oil prices and technical advances improving its economic and technical viability.

Technical and economic feasibility of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plants could supply a significant fraction of the world's energy needs by 2000, with commercial deployment expected in the mid-1980s, potentially competing with fossil fuel and nuclear energy sources for selected applications.

Negative-CO2-emissions ocean thermal energy conversion

Negative-CO2-emissions Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (NEOTEC) can provide large-scale CO2-negative energy and help counter ocean/atmosphere warming, while also reducing CO2 emissions and ocean acidification.

Review of ocean tidal, wave and thermal energy technologies

Ocean tidal, wave, and thermal energy technologies have significant potential for renewable energy production, with potential for more than global 16,000TWh/y electricity demand.

Estimation of ocean thermal energy potential in the Aguni Basin

The Aguni Basin in the East China Sea has a significantly higher ocean thermal energy potential than the global ocean, making sustainable power generation near Kumejima Island possible.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a renewable energy source that utilizes natural temperature differences between surface and deep seawater, making it a feasible and cost-effective option for tropical regions with high shipping costs.

Opportunities and challenges of ocean thermal energy conversion technology

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology has the potential to generate electricity from the temperature difference between surface warm seawater and deep cold seawater, offering a clean and renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Multi-Energy System Based On Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

The multi-energy complementary system integrating ocean thermal energy conversion, solar heating, wind energy, and energy storage can improve power generation efficiency, stability, and ocean energy utilization compared to traditional OTEC systems.

Ocean thermal energy conversion: The promise of a clean future

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) has the potential to address global energy demand and environmental concerns, offering a clean, renewable, and profitable alternative energy source.

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