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Energy Policy Forum > 2003 Articles
CNMI OCEAN THERMAL PROJECT BACK ON TRACK
Marianas Variety: www.mvariety.com
April 29 2003
SAIPAN, CNMI - Sea Solar Power International has reconsidered
its earlier decision to suspend indefinitely a plan to build
a $50 million ocean thermal energy conversion facility in
the CNMI.
In a letter to Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Sea Solar President
Robert J. Nicholson III, said the project will be "a
most successful and rewarding project for all."
The Maryland-based company said it is willing to work with
the CNMI’s "responsible government." Under
the memorandum of understanding Sea Solar signed with the
governor, company will also set up a $20 million-$30 million
resource park.
"I will do everything possible to coordinate with you
and other CNMI officials," Nicholson said. "This
will allow your islands to benefit from Sea Solar Power’s
advanced OTEC technology and take advantage of the no-risk
funding program which we had originally proposed to you,"
he added.
Nicholson earlier said he was suspending the project, citing
an "unfortunate incident" he had with Sen. Ramon
S. Guerrero, American Reform-Saipan, during their meeting
in Washington, D.C.
Babauta said he called Nicholson to request a reconsideration.
"I talked to him by phone and asked him to reconsider.
The project is now back on track and he wants to come out
here and pursue it," the governor said.
"Thank you for calling me the other day in an effort
to get the...project back on course," Nicholson said
in his letter to Babauta. "I agree with all the items
that you outlined in order for my company to believe that
we can work with a responsible government in the commonwealth,"
Nicholson said.
"I am now trying to re-arrange my schedule so that I
can plan a productive visit with you as soon as possible.
I look forward to working closely with your administration
and making this project most successful and rewarding for
all," he added.
The OTEC plant to be built in the CNMI will produce approximately
10 megawatts of net electrical power and 3 million gallons
per day of bulk fresh water.
from PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT (http://pidp.ewc.hawaii.edu/pireport/)
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