Assessment of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Potential in Cenderawasih Bay, Papua, Indonesia: Energy Performance, Techno-Economic Feasibility, and Environmental Considerations
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This study evaluated the potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion as a renewable electricity source in Cenderawasih Bay, Papua, Indonesia. Ocean temperature data from the World Ocean Atlas for 1955-2018 at station 21576 were analyzed to characterize the surface and deep-water thermal conditions and to assess the performance of an open-cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion system. The assessment covered thermodynamic efficiency, electrical power generation, production cost, freshwater production, and potential environmental impacts. The annual mean sea-surface temperature was 29.28 oC, while the temperature at a depth of 500 m was 8.19 oC, corresponding to an average Carnot efficiency of 6.98%. The estimated electrical power output reached 7,750 kW, with a projected electricity generation cost of Rp539.448 kWh-1. The system was also estimated to produce approximately 22,622 L of freshwater per day. Nutrient-rich seawater discharge may increase the risk of harmful algal blooms and therefore warrants environmental monitoring. Overall, Cenderawasih Bay showed considerable potential for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion development, although technical, economic, and environmental aspects required further assessment.
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