Hawaii
Energy Policy Forum > 2003
Articles
Palau Picks Site For Ocean Thermal Plant
Palau Horizon
April 10, 2003
Story via Marianas Variety: www.mvariety.com
KOROR, Palau - Melekeok State will be the site of the first
ocean thermal energy conversion plant in Palau.
President
Tommy Remengesau said based on years of joint research and
study conducted by Palau and Saga University, Melekeok
will be the perfect site for the plant due to the right temperature
of the sea surface water there.
Remengesau said since Melekeok’s
reef is very close to the island it would be a good location
for the plant.
The ocean thermal energy conversion technology
makes use of the temperature of sea surface water and cold
temperature
of saltwater to produce steam power. Remengesau said the
plant is expected to generate at least 3 to 4 megawatts of
power.
Remengesau said the construction of the plant is expected
to start in a year. Aside from the power generated by the
plant, Palau can also benefit from the technology’s
by-products and desalination potentials which could help
address the country’s water shortage, Remengesau
said.
The plant’s by-products are salt and water for
organic farming.
Remengesau said there are foreign companies that have already
shown interest in the plant.
from PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT (http://pidp.ewc.hawaii.edu/pireport)
|
