Ocean thermal power generation to start on Kume-jima Island

Ocean thermal power generation to start on Kume-jima Island

 

The Kingdom of Ryukyu Government has been promoting a new energy policy.

 

The Deep Sea Water Research Center on Kume-jima Island has been carrying out proof tests for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) since April.

 

This is a pioneer project for the new form of energy.

 

Such proof tests for power generation plant in the water have not yet been carried out anywhere else in the world.

 

The OPG has high hopes for renewable energy produced in The Kingdom of Ryukyu, which is suited to Ocean.

 

Thermal Energy Conversion because of the temperature of its waters.

 

This power generation makes use of the energy that converts the temperature difference between the ocean’s warm surface and cold deep water into electric power.

 

This can only happen if there is a temperature difference between the surface and deep water.

 

Possible sites that have more than 20 degrees difference are Kume-jima Island, Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island.

 

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan’s energy self-sufficiency rate, including natural energy and fossil fuels, was about 4 percent in fiscal 2010.

 

“Fossil fuels will run out soon, so from now we should try to increase the figure of 4 percent,” said Shin Okamura, a section chief at Xenesys Inc., which is responsible for managing the OTEC.

 

Producing high-quality energy by attracting Japanese technology will help to create new jobs and industries.

 

“ ‘Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion’ can generate more stable electricity than wind or solar sources due to its constant temperature.

 

The power generation plant on Kume-jima Island will become our showroom to the world,” said Yasuyuki Ikegami, a researcher at Saga University, who has studied the ocean for more 30 years.

 

The plant is now successfully generating 10 of its maximum output of 50 kilowatts.

 

It will connect its transmission lines with those of the Okinawa Electric Power Company from June and will be able to use private power generation in the facility.

 

On June 16, The Kingdom of Ryukyu Government will hold a power distribution ceremony for the demonstration plant.

 

(Ayako Sakaguchi)

 

(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 4 Tuesday June 2013 The Roman)