Hawaii's ultimate renewable energy source: the Pacific Ocean

The Hawaiian Islands have long been revered for their beautiful beaches and the countless ways to enjoy their waters, from surfing to sailing to snorkeling. Now, scientists at the University of Hawaii’s National Marine Renewable Energy Center have discovered yet another way to use the Pacific Ocean: to generate renewable energy.

Hawaii’s researchers have determined that the temperature difference between the Pacific Ocean at depths and on the surface on the western side of the islands is ideal for employing a technology called ocean thermal energy conversion. The technology works by placing a heat engine along the ocean’s thermocline (layers of water which differ in temperature). As the heat in the warmer water of the surface flows down its concentration gradient towards the cooler water at depths, it spins a turbine in the engine and generates a steady supply of electricity. In this way, solar radiation is converted into renewable energy.

Though ocean thermal energy conversion has been in existence for nearly 50 years, it is rarely employed due to the fact that it is often not cost-effective. However, Hawaii’s unique position adjacent to a steep thermocline off its western shores leads researchers to believe it just may be the ultimate renewable energy source.