Question

Ocean thermal energy is due to
A. temperature difference at different levels in the ocean
B. tides in the ocean
C. energy stored by the water waves
D. pressure difference at different levels in the ocean

Answer 1

Hint: The name by itself suggests that this energy source is directly related to the temperature of the ocean. So you could even take the name as a hint to find the correct option that best defines the source of the given energy. You may otherwise recall a very popular process called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion to find the answer.

Complete answer:
From the very name ‘ocean thermal energy’ we know that it is related to energy achieved from temperature related factors of the ocean. Yes, that is correct. We achieve this energy from the temperature difference present between deep cold ocean water and warm tropical surface waters.
You may have heard of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion or the OTEC. It is a process by which we produce electricity by making use of the ocean thermal gradient between cooler deep and warmer shallow or surface seawaters. We even have OTEC plants that aid in pumping large quantities of deep cold seawater and surface seawater. Main advantages of OTEC are: firm power, a clean energy source, environmentally sustainable and capable of providing massive levels of energy.
Therefore, we see that ocean thermal energy is due to temperature difference at different levels in the ocean.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: Among all the available ocean energy sources, OTEC is known to be one of the continuously available renewable energy resources that have the capability to contribute to base-load power supply. The by-product of OTEC, cold water is used for the purpose of air conditioning, refrigeration and even biological technologies. Fresh water is another by product.