Current Status and Future Prospects of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion : for Sustainable Energy and Water Resource

Abstract

At the beginning of the 21^st century, we are confronting to new problems as urgent issues. They are global warming of the earth, energy crises, population issue, foodstuffs problem and water problem. Under the circumstances, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) System is expected as one of effective solution. OTEC system has the characteristic of suitable for large scale, stability, multipurpose, etc. The technology of OTEC has come a long way in the last ten years. In this paper, the principles of OTEC, new development and present state of OTEC technology for sustainable energy and water resource are shown.