Powering the Palms: The World’s First Hybrid OTEC Plant

In Lakshadweep, a pioneering project in Kavaratti is set to address challenges related to drinking water and reliable energy through the use of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technology.

Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the facility will be the world’s first hybrid plant capable of producing both fresh water and electricity from the ocean at the same time. The system uses warm surface seawater in a vacuum to generate steam that drives turbines for power generation, while cold deep-sea water is used to condense the steam and produce nearly one lakh litres of fresh water each day. Unlike earlier low-temperature desalination systems, the plant operates without relying on diesel or external electricity sources.

A 3.8 km pipeline will transport cold water from a depth of around 1,000 metres below sea level to support the process. The plant is expected to generate about 65 MW of power daily, significantly exceeding Lakshadweep’s current demand of 10–12 MW. This surplus capacity could enable energy self-sufficiency for the islands and support distribution to nearby regions.

Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh has highlighted the project as a potential model for future solutions in sustainable energy and water security.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.