Ocean energy can help tropical island nations reduce long-term energy costs, generate employment, reduce trade imbalances from fuel imports and face the challenges arising from climate change. But Global OTEC isn’t just about bringing affordable clean energy to island nations. As the seawater is processed, it can produce other useful by-products, such as freshwater, lithium and hydrogen. The process can also upwell plankton for more productive fisheries and cool the seawater to prevent the further disappearance of pelagic fish in our warming climate.