Otec Power Plant News

Signing Ceremony: Photo courtesy of State Department

China-U.S. Ocean Thermal Energy Plant Development

offshore plant, to be designed by Lockheed Martin, will be the largest OTEC project developed to date, supplying 100 percent of the power needed for a green resort to be built by Reignwood Group. In addition, the agreement could lay the foundation for the development of several additional OTEC power plants ranging in size from 10 to 100 megawatts, for a potential multi-billion dollar value. OTEC takes the natural temperature difference found in the ocean in tropical regions and uses it to create power. This technology is well-suited to island and coastal communities where energy transportation

Photo: Makai

Makai to Add Turbine-Generator to Kona OTEC Test Facility

bases in Hawai’i and Guam. Included in the second phase effort are the development of two new OTEC-optimized heat exchangers and the continuation of corrosion testing, now in its fourth year.  Due to their enormous size, heat exchangers are one of the most expensive components in an OTEC power plant. A small increase in efficiency therefore dramatically drives down cost. Makai’s focus is to optimize the heat exchanger design by reducing material and fabrication costs, improving thermal efficiency and maximizing its life in the corrosive seawater environment. An estimated $3.6 million

OTEC Test Facility at NELHA

Makai Ocean Engineering Embarks On Initiative

bases in Hawai’i and Guam. Included in the second phase effort are the development of two new OTEC-optimized heat exchangers and the continuation of corrosion testing, now in its fourth year.  Due to their enormous size, heat exchangers are one of the most expensive components in an OTEC power plant.   A small increase in efficiency therefore dramatically drives down cost.  Makai’s focus is to optimize the heat exchanger design by reducing material and fabrication costs, improving thermal efficiency and maximizing its life in the corrosive seawater environment. 

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