One of the principal innovations and benefits of the OCEES’ systems approach to OTEC power generation is the synergistic integration of multiple revenue generating co-products that significantly improve the economic viability of such a system under current amenable economic conditions (relatively low interest rates and high fuel costs). Potential co-products for tropical island communities include clean power, pure fresh water, cold water air conditioning, aquaculture, agriculture, ice and hydrogen. All of these co-products are viable and can be integrated utilizing existing, proven technologies. The most immediate economic and social benefits for tropical island communities employing an OCEES OTEC system can be realized through the integration of these co-products according to local societal requirements and resource limitations.

A mockup of an OTEC plant with mutiple systems applications.

     An integrated systems approach has never been implemented in evaluating the economic feasibility of OTEC technology. Only the economic merits of the power producing components have been addressed when analyzing and comparing to more conventional energy systems. Previous analyses have completely ignored the additional economic, social and environmental benefits an integrated systems approach incorporating ancillary technologies can provide. Recent advances in the power-cycle and cold-water pipe (CWP) materials and deployment technologies have greatly reduced initial capital costs and risks commonly associated with and currently hindering the effective commercialization of OTEC.

     Most of the progress in OTEC systems in the U.S. has occurred in Hawaii with the participation of governmental, university and private entities. The result has been a significant improvement in OTEC technology and a multi-product systems approach to take full advantage of the current favorable economic climate. Multi-product OTEC systems can now be based on demonstrated technology and can be shown to be economically competitive with fossil fuel based systems in many oceanic island communities.