Europe Leads Commercial Ocean Thermal Energy Breakthrough After 200 Years
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📰 The quick summary: Europe leads the development of commercial-scale ocean thermal energy conversion technology, harnessing temperature differences in seawater to generate electricity and provide sustainable energy solutions to island nations.
📈 One key stat: Larger-scale OTEC plants can deliver electricity at $0.05 per kWh, making them cost-competitive with most clean energy sources while offering additional benefits.
💬 One key quote: “The myth of tapping into the energy source hidden within the depths of the ocean’s waves has now become a reality, with Europe being at the very forefront of this myth turned into reality.”
1️⃣ The big picture: A 200-year-old concept of generating electricity from ocean temperature differences is finally becoming commercially viable. The UK-based startup Global OTEC plans to deploy the first commercial-scale floating OTEC platform in São Tomé and Príncipe by 2025. This technology harnesses the temperature gradient between warm surface water and cold deep water to drive turbines and generate electricity. European initiatives like PLOTEC are helping develop platforms that can withstand tropical ocean conditions, positioning Europe as a leader in this renewable energy field. OTEC holds particular promise for Small Island Developing States that currently rely heavily on diesel power.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Ocean thermal energy conversion provides a reliable renewable energy source that doesn’t depend on weather conditions, unlike solar or wind power. Island nations can reduce their dependence on imported diesel fuel, gaining energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. Beyond electricity generation, OTEC systems offer multiple benefits including green hydrogen production, desalinated drinking water, and cold seawater for air conditioning and refrigeration. The technology addresses both energy security and water security challenges simultaneously. At $0.05 per kWh, OTEC becomes economically competitive with other clean energy sources while providing these additional advantages.
3️⃣ What’s next: Global OTEC aims to deploy its first commercial platform called ‘Dominique’ in São Tomé and Príncipe by 2025. Japan plans to expand its 100-kW OTEC demonstration in Okinawa into a 1-MW plant by 2026. European researchers continue developing technologies to improve OTEC platforms’ durability in tropical ocean environments.
Read the full story here: Ecoticias – 200 years later, a myth becomes reality — Europe taps the ocean’s hidden energy source
