The Suitability of the Pacific Islands for Harnessing Ocean Thermal Energy and the Feasibility of OTEC Plants for Onshore or Offshore Processing

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) relies on the thermal differences between ocean surface waters and cooler at c. 1000 m depth. The highest most reliable differentials are in low latitudes, 20° either side of equator, including Pacific Islands region. Whilst theory OTEC can utilize an inexhaustible amount stored energy within oceans, practice industry remains its technical infancy, but with increasing relevance to a post-fossil-fuel, environmentally conscious world. does not only produce electricity. OTEC-seawater utilization technologies high demand minerals, desalination, range for aquaculture hydroponics, have potential large quantities green hydrogen. is could revolutionize economic landscape island countries, providing low-C electricity basis industry. This paper analyses economics using combination existing future industries importance (and other oceanic) regions, tuna fisheries, seabed minerals conclusions these suggest that has minimize carbon emissions, increase efficiencies, create new high-quality green-technology livelihoods.