Excelsior Correspondent
KAVARATTI, Mar 6: Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday reviewed the progress of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project during a visit to Kavaratti in Lakshadweep, as the government moves to strengthen freshwater availability and renewable energy use in island territories.
The Minister inspected the ongoing work at the OTEC-based desalination facility, a project designed to convert seawater into potable water by using the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep-sea water to generate energy. The energy produced is used to run desalination systems, aimed at providing a stable and sustainable supply of drinking water to the island community.
Officials said the project seeks to address long-standing freshwater challenges in Lakshadweep, where limited groundwater, salinity intrusion and dependence on seasonal rainfall have constrained reliable water supply.
During the visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the physical and technical progress of the plant and examined key components such as the seawater intake system, the deep-sea cold-water pipeline, the turbine-generator unit and the desalination modules. He also interacted with scientists, engineers and project personnel involved in the implementation and reviewed timelines for commissioning along with environmental safeguards. Officials also briefed him on plans for an offshore OTEC demonstration project under the Deep Ocean Mission.
According to project officials, infrastructure development in Lakshadweep faces logistical and engineering challenges due to the region’s seabed conditions, which include coral formations, rocky strata and trenches. Work is also limited by narrow operational windows during monsoon months and rough sea conditions, requiring specialised design and installation approaches.
The OTEC-based system is designed to function as a continuous renewable energy source, unlike solar or wind power which depend on weather conditions. Officials said this could eventually reduce the dependence on diesel-powered desalination units, lowering fuel transportation costs and cutting emissions while ensuring uninterrupted water supply for the islands.
Globally, India is the first to develop OTEC facilities, including projects in Japan and the United States. With the commissioning of the Kavaratti plant, India aims to join this group while exploring the technology’s potential for other tropical island regions and coastal areas.
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