Demonstration for large-scale ocean thermal energy conversion on Kumejima
Ocean thermal energy conversion facility in operation in Kumejima, Okinawa Prefecture
(Source: Nikkei BP)
On March 24, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, in collaboration with Xenesys (Koto-ku, Tokyo) and Saga University, announced a joint demonstration project for the commercialization of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) using deep seawater in Kumejima, Okinawa Prefecture. It was announced that it was adopted by the Ministry of the Environment for FY2022 "Regional Co-Creation/Cross-Sector Carbon Neutral Technology Development and Demonstration Project".
OTEC pumps up deep seawater from areas deeper than 600m and uses the temperature difference between it and the surface water to generate electricity. It is characterized by the ability to generate electricity stably 24 hours a day without being greatly affected by the weather, and the amount of power generated can be predicted. Since the deep sea water after power generation is sufficiently low temperature and the water quality does not change, it can be used for secondary purposes in various fields such as fisheries, agriculture, and air conditioning.
The OTEC demonstration facility on Kumejima has an output of 100 kW and has been in operation for over 10 years since June 2012. In the demonstration project adopted this time, during the period from 2022 to 2024, we will manufacture and verify the performance of a large-scale parallel heat exchanger equivalent to 200 kW of power generation. Aiming to establish recovery technology.
MOL has been participating in the operation of the demonstration facility on Kumejima since April 2022 and has accumulated OTEC operational know-how. In addition, we are conducting an OTEC verification requirements suitability survey in Mauritius. Through these efforts, we aim to realize the world's first commercialization of OTEC on a scale of 1 MW around 2026 (Related article: Promising "ocean thermal energy conversion", coexistence and co-prosperity with agriculture and fishery industries).
