Hawaii Announces 10-MW Ocean Thermal Energy Partnership

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http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54296

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle announced a new energy partnership to develop a 10-megawatt (MW) Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) pilot plant in Hawai'i between the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

During the Governor’s official state visit to Taiwan, the ITRI agreed to join in a feasibility study and will collaborate in the initial pilot plant in Hawai‘i. OTEC could provide renewable electricity generated from the difference in temperature between the ocean’s warm surface and its chilly depths.

The ocean temperatures and the subsea terrain make the waters surrounding both Taiwan and Hawai‘i superior locations for this technology. Lockheed Martin Corporation has developed and studied OTEC technology for over 30 years. Its plans for a 10-MW OTEC pilot plant in Hawai‘i are already underway.

“As island economies in the Pacific, Taiwan and the State of Hawai‘i share very similar challenges of overdependence on imported petroleum for their energy needs,” Governor Lingle said. “Taiwan and Hawai‘i also share a common vision and plan to increase renewable and clean energy generation based on indigenous energy resources.”

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