News

Martinique Planning to Develop Ocean Thermal Energy Project

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - July 22, 2014

Above: a rendering of the proposed project

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Martinique is planning to develop an ocean thermal energy project.

Ocean thermal energy uses the heat energy stored in the ocean to generate electricity, capitalizing on the temperature difference between the warmer top layer of the ocean and colder, deep ocean water.

While there are several versions of the concept, ocean thermal technology works through open-cycle thermal conversion, which uses warm surface water to make electricity; when warm seawater is placed in a low-pressure container, it boils, with the steam driving a turbine. The steam is then condensed back into a liquid by exposure to cold temperatures from the deeper ocean water.

Another method, closed-cycle conversion, uses fluids like ammonia to power the turbines.

Martinique’s plan, revealed this week the department’s regional council President, Serge Letchimy, would involve the construction of a floating central thermal energy plant off the coast of the island.

The floating plant would have a net capacity of 10.7 megawatts.

Earlier this month, the European Commission approved the allocation of public funding for the project, which is being jointly developed by Martinique’s government, the Akuo energy company and the DCNS group.

In a statement, Letchimy said the project represented “a promising technology, not only for Martinique, but also for the whole Caribbean and tropical environments.”

The project is part of Martinique’s NEMO programme, or the New Energy for Martinique and Overseas, which seeks to diversify the island’s energy sources away from fossil fuels.

Letchimy said the project would be a “purveyor of activities and jobs,” vowing that it would “represent Martinique as a source of pride as well as a powerful factor of inspiration for the future.”

The idea has been considered previously in the region; in 2012, Barbados said it was actively exploring the possibility of using ocean thermal energy conversion, although it’s not clear how that idea has developed.

The world’s only existing ocean thermal energy plant is located in Japan.

Popular Posts all-inclusive montego bay resort by marriott

Marriott Just Opened Its New All-Inclusive Resort in Montego Bay 

Marriott has continued its rapid expansion into the Caribbean all-inclusive space with the debut of its newest adults-only resort in Montego Bay: the new Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort.  The 352-room resort is part of […]


Yes, You Can Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort in St Thomas, USVI

the beach at the bolongo bay resort

The Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas may be the most popular all-inclusive resort you’ve never heard of. It’s not that the resort itself isn’t well-known: this family-run and managed, beach resort has been in business since 1974. But […]


The 15 Best Spa Resorts in the Caribbean

como parrot cay

Resort spas have become almost as common as fitness centers on amenity lists, but while it’s simple enough to carve out some space for a few treatment rooms, there are some spas that offer a true “experience” to go along […]


Related Posts caribbean vacation reggae with causion

From Antigua, a New Anthem for the Perfect Caribbean Vacation

Romance, adventure, culture, beaches, hotels. They’re all the perfect notes to the ultimate Caribbean vacation. Now, in time for the opening of the Caribbean’s most anticipated new adults-only resort, The Verandah Antigua, a top Caribbean reggae star has turned these […]


Caribbean Photo of the Week: The Blue of Eagle Beach in Aruba

the waters of eagle beach in aruba

The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Pam Whittle, who sent in this lovely shot of the blue waters of Eagle Beach in Aruba. Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean? Send it to news@caribjournal.com with […]


"At Its Roots, Jamaica Is Soul, Rhythm and Culture Come to Life"

jamaica new way to fly

“At its roots, Jamaica is soul, rhythm and culture come to life.” – Cedella Marley Assouline’s series of travel books manages to capture the indescribable, inarticulable, essential qualities of a place, distilling a destination’s romance and wonder into a story […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You