The Thermal Potential of North Sulawesi Sea Waters as a Renewable Energy Source
Potensi Termal Perairan Laut Sulawesi Utara
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35800/jip.v14i2.69628Keywords:
hull coefficient; North Sulawesi; pole and line vessel; total resistance; trimAbstract
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a promising renewable energy technology that utilizes the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep-layer water to generate electricity continuously. This study examines the spatial potential for OTEC development in North Sulawesi based on water column temperature characteristics and the distance from the coastline to the required depth. Temperature profiles were derived from field measurements and the Copernicus Marine Data dataset, then used to characterize the thermal gradient between surface and deep water layers. Surface water temperatures at depths of 2-60 m ranged from 26.61 to 30.21 °C, while temperatures at depths of 700-800 m ranged from 4.99 to 7.03 °C. The resulting temperature difference (ΔT) ranged from 20.38 to 24.80 °C, indicating favorable thermal condition for OTEC operations. Four sites, i.e. Manado Tua Island, Bangka Island, Inobonto, and Beniha, were identified as potential OTEC locations. Preliminary estimates of power generation potential were calculated using available DT conditions, estimated cold-water pipe lengths ranging from 3.0 to 12.4 km, and standard OTEC design parameters. Manado Tua Island showed the highest estimated average power potential at 87.83±3.85 MW, followed by Bangka Island, while Inobonto showed the lowest value at 85.77±3.77 MW. Considering thermal resources and cold-water pipe requirements, Manado Tua Island and Bangka Island emerge as prime locations for further OTEC development. These findings provide an initial spatial assessment of OTEC resource in North Sulawesi and serve as a foundation for subsequent techno-economic feasibility and engineering studies to support marine-based renewable energy development in Indonesia.
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