Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) harnesses the thermal gradient between warm surface waters and cooler deep waters to drive a power cycle and generate electricity. There is huge potential energy stored in tropical oceans where a temperature difference of 200C or more exists between surface and deep waters, enabling a thermodynamic cycle. However, OTEC currently has low efficiency around 2-3% and exploring large volumes of deep seawater raises environmental concerns that must be addressed.
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) harnesses the thermal gradient between warm surface waters and cooler deep waters to drive a power cycle and generate electricity. There is huge potential energy stored in tropical oceans where a temperature difference of 200C or more exists between surface and deep waters, enabling a thermodynamic cycle. However, OTEC currently has low efficiency around 2-3% and exploring large volumes of deep seawater raises environmental concerns that must be addressed.
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) harnesses the thermal gradient between warm surface waters and cooler deep waters to drive a power cycle and generate electricity. There is huge potential energy stored in tropical oceans where a temperature difference of 200C or more exists between surface and deep waters, enabling a thermodynamic cycle. However, OTEC currently has low efficiency around 2-3% and exploring large volumes of deep seawater raises environmental concerns that must be addressed.
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) harnesses the thermal gradient between warm surface waters and cooler deep waters to drive a power cycle and generate electricity. There is huge potential energy stored in tropical oceans where a temperature difference of 200C or more exists between surface and deep waters, enabling a thermodynamic cycle. However, OTEC currently has low efficiency around 2-3% and exploring large volumes of deep seawater raises environmental concerns that must be addressed.