Renewable energy alternatives and improvements in energy security through the introduction of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) can positively impact Fiji and the Pacific region’s economies.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Public Utilities (Water, Energy) Works and Transport Timoci Natuva during a presentation today on Sustainable Utilisation of Ocean Thermal Energy in the South Pacific Region.
“This (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) will enhance our initiatives of Green and Blue Economy concept, which was introduced during the inaugural summit of Pacific Island Development Forum in August last year,” Mr Natuva said.
“The OTEC has other uses apart from power production including desalination, air conditioning for hotels, aquaculture, agriculture hydrogen production and mineral extraction such as lithium and so forth.”
He added the Ocean Thermal Energy (OTEC) with its success will bring vast array of benefits for humankind, especially the potential for improved energy access to the Pacific islands.
“It will mean better access to clean drinking water, better food preservation, improved access to medical treatment, better education and build resilience for our people during these difficult times,” Mr Natuva said.
Korean Ambassador to Fiji His Excellency Kim Seong-in said ocean thermal energy was one of the new renewable energy sources and this workshop would boost regional countries capacity in utilising thermal energy.
“In the view of promoting Climate Change Adaptation and Green Energy, this energy has great potential in meeting the needs of electricity, water food in the Pacific Island countries and its eco-friendly natures,” Mr Seong-in said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs director (Climate Change Division) Dr Mahendra Kumar said work still needed to be done in the areas of climate change.