skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Ocean thermal energy conversion mission analysis study. Phase II

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5746645· OSTI ID:5746645

The market potential for OTEC has been identified as being electricity, and electrical energy-intensive products (such as ammonia and aluminum). Market penetration scenarios are derived for electrical utilities and energy-intensive industries in Southern and Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands and Hawaii. In addition, the production of hydrogen for aircraft fuel and the potential of an electrochemical bridge to provide peak power at locations remote from OTEC sites are considered, along with the feasibility of open-ocean mariculture as an adjunct to OTEC power production. The economic impact on overall energy costs from sales of by-product shellfish protein is analyzed. A technological experience curve is derived for OTEC and applied to an OTEC systems model, to examine the optimization of market penetration scenarios. The legal, institutional and political ramifications of OTEC market penetration are evaluated, along with the facilities, materials, energy and other resource requirements for OTEC development. The likely benefits of OTEC as a domestic energy source are estimated, and an initial appraisal is made of the OTEC product potential for national markets. Possible Federal incentive programs for the stimulation of OTEC commercialization are examined.

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Washington, DC (USA). Center for Advanced Studies
DOE Contract Number:
EX-76-C-01-2421
OSTI ID:
5746645
Report Number(s):
DSE-2421-T1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English