Ocean Thermal Energy Revival: Europe Transforms 19th Century Vision Into Clean Power Reality
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📰 The quick summary: Europe is revitalizing ocean thermal energy conversion technology, turning a 200-year-old concept into reality to harness temperature differences between warm surface and cold deep waters for clean electricity generation.
📈 One key stat: OTEC plants could deliver electricity at $0.05 per kWh, making them cost-competitive with other clean energy sources while providing additional benefits like desalination.
💬 One key quote: “The dream of harnessing ocean energy has been a lingering idea for nearly two centuries. Initially proposed by visionaries, the concept of utilizing the ocean’s thermal differences to generate electricity was long considered an unattainable goal.”
1️⃣ The big picture: Europe is leading a revolutionary effort to tap into ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), a concept first proposed in 1881 by French physicist Jacques-Arsène d’Arsonval. This technology exploits the temperature differential between warm surface waters and colder depths to generate electricity through a cycle of vaporization and condensation. The UK-based startup Global OTEC plans to launch the first commercial-scale floating OTEC platform by 2025 in São Tomé and Príncipe. This breakthrough marks a significant step forward in renewable energy innovation, transforming theoretical concepts into practical, sustainable power generation.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: OTEC technology offers multiple benefits beyond just electricity generation. Small Island Developing States can reduce their reliance on imported diesel fuel while gaining access to sustainable power. The technology enables green hydrogen production through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. It also facilitates desalinated drinking water production and utilizes cold seawater for energy-efficient air conditioning and refrigeration, enhancing both energy independence and water security. As projects scale up, including Japan’s planned expansion from a 100-kW demonstration to a 1-MW plant by 2026, costs are projected to fall to levels competitive with other clean energy sources.
3️⃣ What’s next: Global OTEC aims to launch their first commercial-scale floating platform named Dominique in São Tomé and Príncipe by 2025. Japan plans to expand its Okinawa Prefecture demonstration to a 1-MW plant by 2026. The successful implementation of these initial projects could accelerate global adoption, particularly in island nations seeking energy independence.
Read the full story here: Sustainability Times – Europe Unleashes Long-Forgotten Ocean Energy Source as 200-Year-Old Legend Sparks a New Green Power Revolution
