Integrated Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Systems for Very Large Floating Platforms

Floating platforms, powered by ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems, could serve in the 21st century as industrial bases for the production of electrical power, fuels, potable water, seafood, and biopharmaceuticals to meet the needs of growing populations throughout the world. There are also promising prospects for environmental enhancement. OTEC research and development has reached a stage where commercialization of the technology can begin, initially for remote islands where OTEC's multi-product capability can offset the higher cost of power generation. While major issues must be addressed to enable construction of these platforms to proceed, considerable progress is being made to meet these challenges.