Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) has the potential to revolutionise renewable energy generation across tropical regions. By harnessing the natural temperature difference between warm surface waters and cold deep waters, OTEC offers a consistent, sustainable energy source. Many small nations face unique energy challenges, including heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, lack of land space and limited access to affordable clean electricity. OTEC offers a transformative solution to these issues:
- Energy Independence: Local ocean resources eliminate the need for imported fuels, reducing costs and enhancing energy security.
- Sustainability: OTEC systems align with global climate goals by providing a clean, renewable energy source and significantly reducing carbon emissions.
- Reliable Power Supply: Unlike solar and wind, OTEC operates continuously, ensuring a stable energy supply for tropical grids without needing land space.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), OTEC could generate up to 10,000 terawatt-hours per year without significantly affecting the ocean’s thermal structure. Given that approximately 40% of the global population lives within the tropical belt, this equates to over 3 billion people who could benefit from OTEC-generated power. This estimation is based on the worldwide population data from the United Nations and the geographical distribution of populations within tropical regions.
While the exact number may vary depending on specific population distributions and energy needs, the substantial potential of OTEC to supply power to billions in tropical areas is well-recognised. For instance, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) notes that OTEC can generate billions of watts of electricity, highlighting its potential to meet significant energy demands.
Where in the world is OTEC viable?
OTEC technology is primarily viable in tropical and equatorial regions, where the consistent year-round temperature difference between the ocean’s surface and deep waters is at least 20 degrees Celsius. These ideal conditions are found in over a hundred territories worldwide. Explore our interactive map to discover all the regions that can be powered by OTEC:
Watch the video below to learn about how OTEC works:
read our latest news and blog posts:
- What is the global potential of OTEC?
- 2024 Retrospective: A Year of Progress
- Global OTEC Unveils OTEC Power Module® for Offshore Energy Operations
- Storm-resistant OTEC prototype spotlighted at SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda
- Halfway mark achieved in the construction of storm-resistant OTEC prototype
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