A prototype of an innovative new technology called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is being built in Spain and promises a round-the-clock supply of renewable energy even in remote tropical islands that have conventionally relied on fossil fuels. When ready, the prototype will be deployed for a year-long test in the Canary Islands, Spain.
It is well known that the surface of the seawater is warmer than the water in the depths. OTEC uses the heat from the seawater to vaporize a working fluid, which drives the turbine and generates electricity. The cooler water in the deep sea brings the working fluid to its liquid, and the cycle can be repeated.
With changing environmental conditions, smaller island developing states are expected to be at the receiving end of extreme weather conditions such as storms, typhoons, and hurricanes. Offshore installation of solar and wind energy projects that can survive such harsh weather are still in their infancy and will take time to scale up.
Since seawater near tropical regions remains warm throughout the year and even at night, the system can be run round the clock, generating power 24/7.