(a) whether there is vast scope to generate thermal energy from the oceans;
(b) if so, the details of the possibilities explored by the National Institute of Ocean
Technology (NIOT) during Tenth Plan till date; and
(c) the future plan of the Government in this regard ?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)
(a),(b)&(c) Yes, Sir. Energy can be generated utilizing the temperature difference between the
surface of the sea and deep sea waters. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an
autonomous institute under the Ministry undertook a pilot project of 1 MW floating Ocean Thermal
energy Conversion (OTEC) Plant under `Jai Vigyan` Mission. The plant was set up on a barge named
`Sagar Shakti`, for deployment in open sea having a depth of over 1000 meters off Tuticorin. The
1 Mega Watt (MW) Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Technology Demonstration project was
initially approved as one of the Mission Project of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
in Sept. 1998 at the total cost of Rs.35.25 crore for a period of two years from 1998-99.
However, due to rough weather and inadequate technical support during the deployment of 1 meter
diameter and 1000 meter length of pipe, the same could not be supported and resulted in its loss.
The Ministry further approved Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of Rs. 61.13 crores and Extension of
the project up to 31st December 2002 on 22.02.02. There was once again loss of the intake pipe.
An expert committee was appointed for failure analysis. Based on its report, a revised project
proposal was prepared for completion of the project. The proposal was referred to Ministry of
Finance for their approval. Ministry of Finance recommended for winding up of the project and
the project was accordingly discontinued. Considering the unavailability of required water
depth near the Indian coast, the OTEC plants would have to be located 30 to 40 kilometers away
from the coast, and therefore, would not be economical. Hence, the Ministry has no plan to
take up this project.