Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant coming up in Lakshadweep
Recently an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant is being set up in Lakshadweep.
National Institute of Ocean Technology is setting up an OTEC plant at Kavaratti. It is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The total estimated capacity of OTEC in India is 180,000 MW.
OTEC is a process of energy generation by using temperature differences (thermal gradients) between sea surface water and deep sea water. The energy of the sun heats the surface water of the ocean. In tropical regions, surface waters can be warmer than deeper waters.
The OTEC system uses a difference in temperature (at least 77 degrees Fahrenheit) to power a turbine to generate electricity.
The hot surface water is pumped through an evaporator machine. This machine contains the working liquid. The vaporized fluid drives a turbine/generator.
This vaporized liquid is converted back to liquid in the condenser. This condenser is cooled by cold sea water.
Advantages of OTEC:
The geographical location of India is conducive to this process. This technology is eco-friendly and will always be available etc.
OTEC related challenges:
- Increases in bio-fouling. Unnecessary accumulation of algae, microorganisms, plants etc. is called bio-contamination.
- For the operation of this plant, more capital is required, the habitat of marine organisms is disturbed etc.
Source – The Hindu
