All emerging nations, not just our own, struggle with electricity. And the straightforward explanation that electricity is either not available or not available in accordance with demand, etc., is often given. Scientists have taken the initiative to develop a new device that uses the temperature differential between the European deep sea and the surface to create power, in an effort to avert this electrical crisis. They have achieved a completely sustainable and continuous electricity supply by addressing climate change. For the benefit of the free market economy, there is a growing demand for and use of alternative fuels, particularly as the cost of petrol and petroleum goods keeps rising. The concept of utilising gasoline made from alternative energy is not new. For many reasons, it could not be put into reality. Interest in these alternative power generating methods is growing as energy prices rise in nations like Germany. They are considering using the heat from the water to create power. Typically, the sea surface temperature is at least 25 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the sea’s temperature at a depth of 1000 metres is around 4 degrees Celsius. In other words, there is a temperature differential of more than 20 degrees between the two levels. According to scientists, this disparity in the water may be used to produce power.
In scientific parlance, this method of producing electricity from ocean energy is known as “Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,” or “OTEC.” The process of producing electricity is also quite straightforward. Initially, a kilometer-long conduit is used to pump cold water from the deep sea to the surface of the ocean. This particular kind of gas becomes liquid due to the cold water. Ultimately, the moment this liquefied gas comes into touch with the sea’s hot water, it boils. If this procedure is carried out repeatedly, electricity may be produced by turning a large wheel or a turbine. With the aid of coal, electricity is produced using much the same method as thermal power plants. ‘Otec’, on the other hand, operates at very low temperatures and emits no carbon dioxide while producing power. Thus, this technique is totally safe for the environment. One of the companies attempting to produce power from ocean heat or ocean energy is the French shipbuilding business DCNS. According to Emmanuel Brasher, its spokesperson, using solar or wind energy to generate power isn’t always feasible. need to wait for the sun or breeze. However, producing power with this marine energy is rather simple.
The idea to produce maritime electricity was initially conceived of in the 1980s. At that period, a number of early instruments were also invented, although the cost did not rise because of the cheap price of oil. The ‘otech’ approach is starting to gain favour again in light of the growing cost of oil and mounting environmental impact. At the primary level, they have constructed a facility that can produce 10 MW of power. In 2015, the facility was able to begin producing power. The idea resembles a 20–30 metre circular artificial island. It is made out of a lengthy pipe that is submerged in the ocean for around 1000 metres. In addition, there is a turbine machine powered by steam. This kind of manufacturing plant faces a number of difficulties. Determining the platform’s volume and size in relation to the specific location of installation is the most problem. For instance, compared to the Caribbean Sea, the Indian Ocean has far larger waves. That shock will have to be handled by a floating power plant. The pipelines, which will be used to extract cold water from the deep sea, are the main source of the issue. This pipe must to be affordable and sturdy. It is undeniably a beautiful and clever technique to harness ocean power for energy generation; nevertheless, the local flora and wildlife will not be negatively impacted in any way by this technology. However, these kinds of power plants will be most appealing on remote islands with challenging power supplies.
Thanks to a significant offshore project, wind power has lately become a feasible alternative for Bangladesh, demonstrating its enormous potential for producing renewable energy. The initiative, which is still in its early phases, seeks to have a significant influence on sustainable solutions to greenhouse gas emissions throughout the fashion industry’s value chain, despite the fact that wind power is not now the nation’s top priority in terms of energy policy. It would not only stabilise the supply of renewable energy to nearby clothing industries but also significantly increase employment and reduce emissions by around 725,000 tonnes annually. This investment in wind power is in line with the goal of a cleaner and more sustainable future, since upstream electricity production from non-renewable sources like coal, gas, oil, and petroleum accounts for over 70% of the emissions produced by the fashion sector.
According to a statement released in this respect, the project would stabilise the supply of renewable energy to the regional clothing producers of the two international fashion corporations in addition to integrating wind turbine energy into the nation’s electrical system. The project, which has a capacity of around 500 MW, is supposed to support the nation’s objective of becoming energy independent from fossil fuels.
When looking at things holistically, more focus has to be placed on wind and solar energy. When it comes to wind power, it has been noted that while the initial installation costs are expensive, the expenses associated with maintenance and power generation are far lower than with other sources. The earth’s rotation and topography cause the sun to heat the planet unevenly, which causes wind to be created. regions of low pressure are formed by warm air rising, while regions of high pressure are formed by cold air sinking. Wind is the result of air molecules moving from high pressure regions to low pressure regions. As it doesn’t even use restricted fossil fuels or reduce wind speed, it is regarded as the most optimal and clean energy source currently in use.
Apart from its advantages for the environment, the offshore wind power projects also help the country’s larger goals of lowering its reliance on fossil fuels, guaranteeing energy security, and developing a resilient and sustainable economy. This all-encompassing strategy, which combines economic and environmental factors, is an excellent example of how renewable energy projects may act as catalysts for both economic growth and constructive social change.
Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan is a Dhaka-based freelance journalist
