India is pioneering the world’s first integrated Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, with Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh recently inspecting the ongoing work.
The project, developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and implemented by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), harnesses the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep-sea water to generate clean, renewable energy.
This energy powers a desalination plant, producing both electricity and potable water simultaneously—addressing critical freshwater shortages and energy needs in the island territory.
The facility is expected to generate around 60-65 kW of power and deliver approximately 1-1.5 lakh litres of drinking water daily, reducing reliance on diesel-based systems, cutting emissions, and lowering fuel transport costs. Unlike weather-dependent renewables like solar or wind, OTEC offers consistent output in tropical waters.
