Known as ocean thermal energy conversion or OTEC, the technology was first invented in 1881 byFrenchphysicistJacques Arsene dArsonval.
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Thats only enough energy for a hundred or so households.
This can only be found in the tropics, which is not a problem in itself.
Yet, one startup based out of the UK remains undeterred by these seemingly insurmountable cost barriers.
For aptly named Global OTEC, the time has come for an ocean energy renaissance.
Named Dominique, the structure is designed to be modular and much cheaper than previous prototypes.
This is partly why theKumejima plants pipe costs are so astronomical.
History is an important teacher, and we are committed to learning from it, said Grech.
Failure of previous OTEC projects highlights where we should exercise caution, he said.
While Global OTEC is confident of its approach, the technology is still largely unproven on this scale.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
