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Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion—Flexible Enabling Technology for Variable Renewable Energy Integration in the Caribbean

Author

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  • Robert J. Brecha

    (Climate Analytics, Ritterstr. 3, 10969 Berlin, Germany
    Hanley Sustainability Institute, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    Renewable and Clean Energy Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    Physics Department, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA)

  • Katherine Schoenenberger

    (Hanley Sustainability Institute, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA)

  • Masaō Ashtine

    (Department of Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK)

  • Randy Koon Koon

    (Department of Physics, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica)

Abstract

Many Caribbean island nations have historically been heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for both power and transportation, while at the same time being at an enhanced risk from the impacts of climate change, although their emissions represent a very tiny fraction of the global total responsible for climate change. Small island developing states (SIDSs) are among the leaders in advocating for the ambitious 1.5 °C Paris Agreement target and the transition to 100% sustainable, renewable energy systems. In this work, three central results are presented. First, through GIS mapping of all Caribbean islands, the potential for near-coastal deep-water as a resource for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is shown, and these results are coupled with an estimate of the countries for which OTEC would be most advantageous due to a lack of other dispatchable renewable power options. Secondly, hourly data have been utilized to explicitly show the trade-offs between battery storage needs and dispatchable renewable sources such as OTEC in 100% renewable electricity systems, both in technological and economic terms. Finally, the utility of near-shore, open-cycle OTEC with accompanying desalination is shown to enable a higher penetration of renewable energy and lead to lower system levelized costs than those of a conventional fossil fuel system.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert J. Brecha & Katherine Schoenenberger & Masaō Ashtine & Randy Koon Koon, 2021. "Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion—Flexible Enabling Technology for Variable Renewable Energy Integration in the Caribbean," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:8:p:2192-:d:536063
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    1. Shirley Thompson, 2023. "Strategic Analysis of the Renewable Electricity Transition: Power to the World without Carbon Emissions?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-34, August.
    2. Albert S. Kim, 2022. "Special Issue “Selected Papers from the 8th International OTEC Symposium”," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-2, January.

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