yet the problems raised are due to some people
not thinking on grand scale or long term.
It seems to me that this enormous energy
resource that would have little if any public objections is left to wait until
more economically viable. It is clear
that OTEC plants are expensive, particularly so if just a few were included in the business
case. But the economies of scale are
un-arguable and clearly there are hundreds of
possible sites for OTEC and thus the economy of scale can be
realised. These facts need to be borne in mind when the Stern report clearly setting out the stark future for us if we
continue with a fossil fuel economy, it would appear crucially
important to kick start the hydrogen economy now with energy ships
providing hydrogen.
If we can build
oil rigs then we can build offshore OTEC.
Presently the world is wanting to see successful operation of a number of demonstration plants. However is the goal is limited to just shore based plants then OTEC will never be more than a quirky addition to the plethora of renewables. The vision must include energy ships stationed over the vast areas of ocean which have been identified as OTEC sites.
Other relevant points:
Hydrogen can be delivered ashore using existing oil
pipelines.
Generation of electricity off shore can be
used for energy intensive applications such as aluminium production.
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