Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and Deep Ocean Water Applications (DOWA): Market Opportunities for European Industry

The IOA International OTEC/DOWA Association, an association created in 1990, aims at informing on worldwide R&D efforts to develop the commercial usage of DOW - Deep Ocean Water. In the past IOA interest for DOW has been focused on its use as the cold source in the OTEC process for supplying electricity. IOA’s review of the most recent results obtained (mainly in USA, Japan, India and Taiwan) indicates that the Deep Ocean Water should be now considered as a renewable resource for “clean” production of many commercial products including not only electricity but also fresh water, food, energy saving, air-conditioning, etc. Technologies to tap into these resources are available and OTEC/DOWA facilities can contribute to the development of isolated coastal areas located in the tropical belt and some sub-tropical areas. But OTEC/DOWA according to the criteria adopted by the European Union Commission for defining the priorities of its Fifth Framework Program has not yet reached the status of “already developed technology” as do wind, photovoltaic, biomass, and other energy resources located in the European continental region.This presentation makes a case for the European Union Commission to carefully assess the full potential of OTEC/DOWA and support its development as it already represents: a) export markets opportunities for European industry, b) opportunities for the development of European Overseas Territories, and c) potential supply of synthetic fuel to respond to Europe’s own future demand for primary energy and world sustainable development.