Ocean Thermal
Our planet’s largest untapped renewable energy source
What is ocean thermal?
“Since the ocean comprises around 70% of the earth’s surface, it is a vast receiver and repository of solar energy. While waves, winds, tides and currents are all forms of ocean renewable energy, which vary with time and season, conversely, an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system permits the generation of constant power 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Effectively the tropical ocean is acting as a gigantic thermal battery.” - International Energy Agency (IEA)
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses the temperature difference between the ocean’s warm surface and cold deep water to run a heat engine. The warm water evaporates liquid ammonia which flows through a turbine generating energy. Gaseous ammonia condenses back to a liquid using the cold water to regenerate the fuel. The cycle runs continuously producing 24/7 base load power.
How It Works
Benefits of Ocean Thermal
Base Load
Ocean thermal energy conversion operates 24/7 delivering constant power with a capacity factor of ~95%, unlike intermittent renewable sources.
Clean
Ocean thermal is a carbon-free resource that emits zero emissions, greenhouse gases, and pollution in its energy conversion and power generation process.
Renewable
OTEC uses ocean water heated by solar radiation, combining two of our planet’s most important free and renewable natural resources, as its fuel source.
Abundant
An abundant energy source with the potential to provide up to 88,000 TWh per year, meeting global power demands several times over.
Energy Security
It enhances energy security by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on imported fuels or supply chains subject to geopolitical risk.
Cost Effective
Already a cost-competitive option for multiple use cases and locations, continued technological innovation is making it more cost effective.
Critical To The Energy Transition
100
12+
Countries & 3 Major Oceans
R&D Pilot Demonstrations
8 TW
24/7
Base Load Energy Potential
Constant Power Generation
40%
Zero
Global Primary Energy
Emissions and Pollutants
Beyond Clean Electricity
Green Electrofuels
The clean electricity produced by OTEC can be used to produce green electrofuels (eFuels) like hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.
Desalinated Water
In addition to electricity generation, open cycle OTEC systems can be used to produce fresh desalinated water for drinking, aquaculture, and irrigation.
Carbon Sequestration
The cold water used in the power generation process can be used to passively sequester carbon dioxide to achieve net negative emissions.
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