Supporting Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Deployment through High-Resolution Resource and Impact Modeling

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) presents a promising renewable energy solution that harnesses energy by utilizing the natural temperature gradient between warm surface waters and cold deep waters. To characterize the OTEC resource potential and support OTEC project siting and system design, this study employs a high-resolution, unstructured-grid ocean model to evaluate the thermal energy potential around two key areas: Guam and Hawaii. Model results demonstrate that high-resolution modeling captures fine-scale spatial and temporal variability in ocean thermal structure that is often missed by observations or coarse-resolution reanalysis products. These localized dynamics play a critical role in shaping the vertical thermal gradients essential for efficient OTEC operation. In addition to resource assessment, we also analyze the potential environmental effects of OTEC operations due to the discharge of mixed water plumes at various locations. This includes evaluating potential thermal disturbances to the upper ocean and their implications for marine ecosystems. The model indicates that, under typical OTEC operational conditions, the influence of cold-water discharge on the ambient water remains minimal. This study underscores the applications of high-resolution numerical modeling for improved resource characterization and impact assessment in the early phase of OTEC deployment in tropical island settings.