It's called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, or OTEC, and the world's largest plant was dedicated in Hawaii on August 21. It produces renewable energy by using the temperature difference between the ocean's deep cold water and warm surface water.
Emission-free energy is now being produced in Hawaii by Makai Ocean Engineering, thanks to funding by the Office of Naval Research through the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute," states Makai's news release. The $5 million, 105-kilowatt demonstration plant on the Big Island "only generates enough electricity to power 120 homes," writes Cole Mellino for EcoWatch. "But to date, it’s the largest such plant in the world."
Credit: Makei Ocean Engineering
The company estimates that all of Hawaii’s electricity needs could be met by about 12 commercial-scale OTEC plants. They already have plans to construct a 1-megawatt facility in Japan.
“Anywhere tropical with deep water is ideal, especially if they import their fuel,” says Duke Hartman, vice president of business development at Makai.
While technically classified as a type "marine renewable energy," it's actually a form of solar energy, captured by the ocean and converted to electricity. "That’s beautiful because we can extract that energy 24/7 and use that power any time we want it, totally eliminating the need for an energy storage system,” states Hartman.
"Heat exchangers are really the key component to OTEC," states Hartman in this five-minute YouTube video as he point to the three pipes, standing on top of the plant.
Credit: Makei Ocean Engineering
"OTEC is a technology that the Navy has a significant interest for generating power at Naval bases around the world," states the naval research paper, "Understanding Predictability of the Ocean" [PDF]. "By using an [sic] Rankine engine cycle with fluorine gas cooled by deep ocean water and warmed by surface waters, turbines are used to generate electrical power that is sent back to shore." [The video explains it in more detail.].
"The breakthrough marks the first true closed-cycle OTEC plant to be connected to a U.S. electrical grid, and represents a major achievement for Hawaii, the United States, and marine renewable energy," according to the news release.
The biggest challenge remains will be funding. "We need a visionary investor to get us past the expensive pilot project into the large-scale commercial projects," states Hartman.
FULL STORY: Hawaii Flips Switch on World’s Largest Ocean Harvesting Clean Energy Plant
California May Join Hawaii With 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2045
Senate Bill 100 by Sen. Kevin de León has one more hurdle to clear before it becomes law. While the state's greatest climate challenge isn't electricity generation, it will be helpful as more motorists turn toward electric vehicles.
Five Key Energy Bills the California Legislature May Decide this Week
Energy stakeholders in California are watching five important bills to see which go forward with three weeks remaining in the legislative season. One would require the state to generate all electricity from renewable sources by 2045.
Coal Power Plants to Retire Faster Under Trump
Coal plants will retire faster than analysts had figured under the Clean Power Plan, which the Trump administration is repealing, yet the Department of Energy proposes to make building new coal plants a centerpiece of its energy policy.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions