INTEGRATED OCEAN THERMAL-ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS FOR VERY LARGE FLOATING PLATFORMS

Floating platforms, powered by ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems, could serve in the 21st century as industrial bases for the p roduction of electrical power, fuels, potable water, seafood, and biop harmaceuticals to meet the needs of growing populations throughout the world. There are also promising prospects for environmental enhanceme nt. OTEC research and development has reached a stage where commercial ization of the technology can begin, initially for remote islands wher e OTEC's multi-product capability can offset the higher cost of power generation. While major issues must be addressed to enable constructio n of these platforms to proceed, considerable progress is being made t o meet these challenges.