ALTERNATE ENERGY by ColibriEnergy's Channel
This video talks about a renewable energy, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) process. OTEC process makes energy through using the temperature difference between the cold water from the deeper part of the ocean and warm/hot water from the surface of the ocean. The cold water cools down propane and as propane evaporates, the warm water warms the propane back to its liquid state, and through that energy in the form on electricity is made. However, the OTEC process is limiting to only certain areas because cold water and warm water has to be close enough to be accessed on land.
This video states that one area that this energy may be possible is at Punta Tuna, Puerto Rico since deep water with depth further down than 3,000feet only 2miles away from the coast. The video also states that with 40 OTEC plants around the island, all electrical need in Puerto Rico will be met without ever using coal, gas, or oil. Sounds like a good solution? Well, the video makes it sound like it is; however, then why is this process not an ongoing process right now? If you pay close attention to this video, this OTEC power plant 30ft diameter pipe. It might not sound too bad, but you must consider this. Puerto Rico is a huge tourism-based U.S. territory, and Puerto Rico boasts many beautiful beaches, snorkeling sights, and fragile habitats in the ocean. Also, don't forget that 40 of these plants need to be made to meet the electricity demand. Moreover, the video does not state the pollution, amount of propane needed, and the impact of construction. If this OTEC plant gets in the way of the natural habitat in this ocean in any way, there will be people trying to stop this.
It's like what Dr. Webber said few lectures ago, there is a solution to any kind of problem, but too many things get in the way for the solution to be implemented.
The nice thing about OTEC is there really is no pollution - however, that is not to say it is without environmental impact, namely impacting the ecosystems it sucks up which we really have no idea what kinds of impacts that could bring. But you are absolutely right, somebody will oppose it. OTEC is a neat technology that has been around for a long time, but just too expensive (due to the massive scale required), but it is something to keep an eye on. Also, the open loop systems produce a byproduct of desalinated water - which is what I find perhaps the most intriguing of all the characteristics.
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