In The Bahamas, there is some scepticism about plans for the construction of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plants, especially since large-scale OTEC is a relatively untried alternative energy technology. One commentator writes:
In the absence of any nationally adopted energy code, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) has provided us with electricity using fossil fuels. Up until fairly recently there has been very little pressure on BEC to do things differently through a compelling political mandate or public outcry.
To my surprise, on Sept 22 of this year it was announced that BEC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTEC) for the proposed construction of two plants that it, OTEC, would build, own and operate. After I did some very basic research on the topic, I came away, however, with more questions than answers and indeed will look out for more light to be shed on what is exactly being proposed for The Bahamas.
The concept of harnessing electricity that’s free from fossil fuels and can also produce potable water, assist in sustainable food production and even provide sea water district cooling sounds outstanding. This technology was first researched in the 1880s by a French physicist, and in 1930, Cuba built a 22kW plant. Additionally, Japan has had a 120kW operational plant since 1981 and research into this technology is underway in India. Further the possibilities were demonstrated with a pilot 210kW plant in Hawaii in the 1990s.
This gives the technology some track record, but these plants are still rather small. In fairness though, like most other forms of renewable energy, the abundance of inexpensive fossil fuels made it difficult for this technology to gain any traction.
According to the OTEC website, the system works by using heat from warm surface water to boil liquid ammonia, thus producing steam which drives a turbine generator. The process would involve pipes being placed in the ocean and pumping up cold water, the exact location and depths I gather would be revealed in time.
OTEC states that their chief science officer was instrumental in the demonstration of the plant’s capabilities in Hawaii.
I wonder, though, why wasn’t a large scale plant produced in Hawaii or elsewhere in the United States where appropriate conditions exist? It just seems to be a natural progression from pilot study to actual plant. Further, the rules surrounding economies of scale make a compelling argument for starting off where the demand is greater. Why is this technology gaining traction in the Caribbean, but generating little interest elsewhere?
…
I would hope that much thought is being given to the location of the plants to reduce vulnerability to storms and hurricanes and reduce impact to ocean life. I certainly trust that discussions are being had around the reliability of this technology. Who needs more blackouts?
Perhaps the answers to all of my questions are in some document somewhere on someone’s desk.
Read more in the complete article by professional engineer Sonia Brown.
Previously on Green Antilles: Ocean thermal energy conversion: new renewable energy technology for The Bahamas.
[Image via: renewableenergymagazine.com]
A lot of great questions raised by Ms. Brown. I write for a website called ‘The On Project’ that is trying to spread the word about OTEC and I’d be happy to try and address some of your concerns.
First, I agree clean power and clean water does sound pretty outstanding, and we should all be celebrating the Bahamas for taking the first step to showing the world OTEC in a commercial capacity. Like so many innovations, it takes someone willing to be the first to show everyone else how great it can be, so a big congrats to the Bahamas, and already other Caribbean nations are saying they want OTEC for themselves.
OTEC has not taken off commercially because until recently fossil fuel power has been cheaper. Plain and simple economics, the people in power go with the cheapest option. However, today oil costs continue to rise, and the cost to build an OTEC plant is lower than ever, so now the OTEC business model works, especially for tropical islands, where the cost of fuel is so much higher than places like the US.
Because the BEC is purchasing the power, and not building the plant, customers will get endless clean energy without any rise in taxes, or stress on government money. The price of the power is likely to be extremely steady, unlike fossil fuel prices, which rely on the worldwide supply and demand. The source is the local oceans, so the price for customers will be competitive, and reliable.
Yes, OTEC plants will produce millions of gallons of clean drinking water. It can be bottled, used for fish farming, and on-land agriculture, and in any number of ways. In other words the clean water can truly boost local economy, creating jobs, industries, and food the region did not otherwise have before OTEC.
The goal of everyone is no more blackouts. So I give the BEC a huge congratulations for taking the steps to be a worldwide leader in an innovative clean energy. The Bahamas will prove to the entire world OTEC power is here today, and can greatly benefit the lives of millions around the globe.
I hope that answers a few questions. Lots more info at The On Project.
http://www.theonproject.org/?utm_source=nassauguardian&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=mscommentßœœ
Thank you,
Mike Straub