Two new publications on ocean thermal energy conversion

As part of the NWO-funded research project on Indonesia’s energy transition, PhD candidate Jannis Langer and co-authors Kornelis Blok, Carlos Infante Ferreira and Jaco Quist studied the potential of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). OTEC is a promising renewable energy technology that produces electricity with the heat stored in the ocean.

The two new publications explore (1) how OTEC could be scaled up from its current pilot stage to full-size commercial plants and (2) how the techno-economic performance of OTEC plants can be improved by considering seasonal seawater temperature fluctuations in the design process. The papers revealed that OTEC could provide large amounts of electricity to countries like Indonesia, and that OTEC’s cost reduction potential is considerable due to economies of scale, technological learning, and a design process that considers thermal resource availability. However, OTEC’s still face large hurdles and further development of key technical components, a more streamlined permitting process, and long-term commitment by policymakers, amongst others, are necessary to lift the technology from its pre-commercial stage.

For further information, please check the papers following the links below: