Trial production of power under OTEC begins in TN District

Madurai, Jan 2 (UNI) Trial production of power under ''Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Project'' (OTEC) began at Kulasekarapatnam near Tiruchendur in Tuticorin District of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here today, G V Ramasamy, Chief Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) said the project involved vapourisation of liquid ammonium, using the sudden drop in the temperature within five meters from the surface of the sea water. This vapourised gas was used to operate the turbines, which generated power, he added.

Mr Ramasamy said such a temperature difference within five meters from the sea level was noticed off at Kulasekarapatnam. For the ongoing trial production, a floating vessel was also used by the authorities, he added.

He said once the trial production was successful, power could be generated on a largescale. Trial production of power from tidal waves was in progress in Gujarat, he added.

The official said the Government was keen to take solar and wind energy. The State witnessed severe power shortage due to reduction in the production of wind energy, he added.

He said TNEB planned to streamline free power supply to the agriculture sector in the State.

There was also a plan to supply power for farmers three times a day, instead of supplying for six hours each in the day and night, he added.

Stating that power shortage in the State was only 250 MW now, when compared to 2,000 MW, a few months ago, he said, Tamil Nadu had procured 300 MW from Assam and Haryana.

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