Abstract
This review underscores the significant potential of OTEC technology as a sustainable and renewable energy source, particularly beneficial for island nations and coastal regions where thermal gradients are favourable. OTEC’s journey from early 20th-century experiments to the development of both open and closed-cycle systems highlights its evolutionary path. Despite these advancements, considerable challenges hinder its broad commercial deployment.
The path to realizing OTEC’s full potential is fraught with hurdles, including high initial costs, the need for extensive infrastructure, and environmental challenges specific to marine operations. Yet, the diverse applications of OTEC—ranging from electricity generation and water desalination to aquaculture and beyond—illustrate its multifaceted benefits.
Addressing the technical and economic challenges identified requires targeted research and development efforts. Priorities include enhancing component efficiency, leveraging innovative financing to reduce costs, and adopting risk mitigation strategies. Integration of OTEC within local and regional energy frameworks, supported by conducive policies, is critical. Additionally, environmental sustainability must be a core focus to ensure the long-term viability and acceptance of OTEC systems.
The future of OTEC demands a collaborative strategy involving government, industry, academia, and international bodies. Together, these stakeholders must drive technological innovations, support pilot projects, and foster transparent sharing of data. This collective effort is essential to navigate the complexities of OTEC technology and secure its place as a cornerstone of global renewable energy solutions.