Advantages

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is uniquely suited for tropical regions thanks to its stable output, co-benefits and minimal land requirements.

While solar and wind are proven and widely used, they can’t meet the specific needs of remote islands or offshore operations. In the right geographic and economic contexts, OTEC can not only complement but also outperform other renewable energy technologies.

KEY ADVANTAGES OF OTEC:

• 24/7 Baseload Power
  Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent, OTEC provides baseload power as it relies on the constant temperature difference found in the tropical ocean.
  
  
• High Suitability for Tropical Islands
  OTEC is ideal for tropical nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as it can free them from dirt and expensive diesel fuels while using their main natural resource, the ocean.
  
  
• Energy Independence
  OTEC can help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are costly and logistically challenging for remote islands and offshore installations.
  
  
• Low Visual and Acoustic Impact
  OTEC platforms have a minimal land footprint and are less visually intrusive than wind turbines or large solar arrays.
  
  
• Desalination Potential
  OTEC systems can co-produce freshwater as a by-product, addressing water scarcity in island communities.
  
  
• Carbon-Neutral Energy
  Zero emissions during the operation contribute to climate change mitigation and meeting net-zero targets.
  
  
• Scalability for the Offshore Industry
  OTEC can support off-grid operations like offshore aquaculture, data centres, and oil and gas platforms with clean, stable power.
  
  
• Long Operational Life
  Marine-based infrastructure tends to be robust and durable, with systems designed for 30+ years of operation.