Martinique is one of the most promising areas in the world for the exploitation of this constant and eco-friendly renewable energy
Jules Verne is the first to have the idea of using the difference in sea temperatures to produce electricity. In 1869, in his book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, he wrote “I could have, in effect, establishing a circuit between wire immersed at different depths, getting electricity by the diversity of temperatures they experienced”.A century and a half later, the NEMO project “New Energy for Martinique and Overseas”, spearheaded by DCNS and Akuo Energy, who earned 72 million euros of EU aid, is the establishment of a pilot plant Thermal Energy Seas (OTEC) that can supply 35,000 homes “of the island of Martinique”. Located 7 kilometers off Bellefontaine, this offshore OTEC plant of 16 MW, big as a boat, anchored by 1000 meters deep, should be operational by 3 years. It will produce electricity continuously, unlike other renewables, and should contribute to the creation of local jobs.
An endless renewable energy that can generate electricity 24h/24 all year
The location of Martinique on tropical belt is in “one of the most promising areas in the world for the exploitation of this non-intermittent renewable energy and the development of this eco-friendly technology”, according to the officials of NEMO project.
The OTEC principle is to use the temperature difference between surface of the water at about 25°C and the deep water (-1000m) at about 5°C. This difference in temperature naturally in tropical seas is an inexhaustible renewable energy and produces electricity 24h/24 all year. Unlike tidal power plants that only work a few hours a day when the tides, the ocean temperature remains stable.
