What do u think of OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) as an energy source?

Hello Fiona

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses warm surface water to produce steam (using either ammonia or a vacuum) to generate electricity. Cooler deep water then cools the system and the cycle continues. Enough electricity is produced to drive the pumps and the excess is exported to the grid.

Advantages:

Generates electricity with no greenhouse emissions.
Totally renewable energy.
Works day and night with only routine pump maintenance and little ongoing costs.
Open system version produces desalinated water as well.
Unlimited source of free energy especially in tropical waters.

Disadvantages:

(are few)
Needs a large difference in temperatures (surface and deep) for best results.
Needs to be close to the national grid.
Needs a constant supply of warm and cold water, so only suitable for tropical locations.
Plant needs safe location from storms and surf.

What about its economic cost? It does cost a lot than the usual coal-fired power plant, does it not? Do you think the long term gain of its advantages, not the cost alone, will suffice to garner funds from the investors and government? But then, these renewable energy sources can only be constructed in the tropics where the countries are not that rich. So what do you think?
Thanks for the reply!

In comparing coal fired power plants and OTEC it would seem that plant construction and operation costs would be similar. The HUGE SAVINGS comes from the fact there is never a fuel cost with OTEC. Coal fired (and gas fired and nuclear) all have non-stop lifetime fuel costs. OTEC and most alternative energy plants have little to no fuel requirements.