Assessment of potential and temperature differential for an ocean thermal energy conversion plant. Case study: Cozumel, Mexico

Abstract

Ocean thermal conversion technology (OTEC) has become an important research topic for sustainable development due to the large energy resource contained in the ocean. A feasibility map is developed with the ideal location of an OTEC plant in Cozumel, Mexico. The largest temperature differential between the surface and the depth of the ocean (23.22 °C) was identified. The methodology used considers technical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The study area is bounded by 318, 614.4 km2 of the ocean surface. These results can be taken into account for the development of OTEC research in Mexico.