<P> Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses the temperature difference between cooler deep and warmer shallow or surface seawaters to run a heat engine and produce useful work, usually in the form of electricity . OTEC can operate with a very high capacity factor and so can operate in base load mode . </P> <P> Among ocean energy sources, OTEC is one of the continuously available renewable energy resources that could contribute to base - load power supply . The resource potential for OTEC is considered to be much larger than for other ocean energy forms (World Energy Council, 2000). Up to 88,000 TWh / yr of power could be generated from OTEC without affecting the ocean's thermal structure (Pelc and Fujita, 2002). </P>

Advantages and disadvantages of ocean thermal energy wikipedia