The Curaçao Ocean Ecopark is developing an ocean thermal power plant and combining it with natural cooling of buildings by using deep ocean water.

Dutch Bluerise BV is developing its first Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant, allowing the tropical island of Curaçao, located in the southern Caribbean Sea, to use the ocean as a source of power. The technology generates electricity by exchanging heat between the warm surface and the cool depths of the ocean.

The deep ocean provides a new source of wealth, one that is sustainable and can provide not only energy but also fresh water and food for an increasing demand in tropical regions.

Remi Blokker – CEO, Bluerise

In addition, the Curaçao Ocean Ecopark will use deep ocean water to cool buildings in the local airport with savings of up to 90% of the electricity typically required for air-conditioning, according to Bluerise. The Ocean Ecopark will integrate a range of sustainable solutions, ranging from fresh water production to ocean-cooled greenhouses and fish farming.

The technology is still in the early stages of development and Bluerise hope to begin commercial development in Curacao within the next five years.

Tropical regions will account for a large share of global increases in energy demand. Providing a sustainable, scalable, and economical energy solution for these regions will address a major sustainability issue while serving as an incubator for OTEC technology.