Comments on: Renewable Energy From the Deep Ocean US Gov R&D

By: opalcomp

opalcomp — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:26 +0000

Very informative …
Very informative about ocean-generated electricity. Without high production values and without appearing to be hyped up, explains the background, and then makes the viewer wonder why the government has dropped ocean energy from the renewable sources (perhaps it is the miniscule overall funding for renewable development by the government that causes them to pick only a couple of possible technologies to pursue).

By: LuisBoriken

LuisBoriken — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:25 +0000

This are the …
This are the science projects that makes me wonder. PR, HI, Guam, Samoas and USVI deserve better.

By: TJPlocek

TJPlocek — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:25 +0000

OTEC research was …
OTEC research was very expensive. When OTEC was being funded it took up much of the energy R&D budget shortchanging Nuclear, Coal and other technologies. It is also considered (incorrectly) to affect only around 6 million people in Puerto Rico, Hawaii and smaller US islands. It could supply much baseload to the Gulf Coast States and most importantly: IT WORKS!! But not as easily or cheaply as some proponents claim. Overpromises have hurt OTEC.

By: LuisBoriken

LuisBoriken — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:24 +0000

Part 1
You are …
Part 1
You are absolutely right! PRPEA does not have any real plans for renewable energy. Over 90% of the electricity generated in PR comes from oil and coal which are very expensive. The problem lies in PREPA ownership. PREPA belongs to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Therefore its decisions are at the mercy of politicians and political investors. PREPA buy oil from puertorican wholesalers which are political investors and they push for the avoidance of renewable energy.

By: LuisBoriken

LuisBoriken — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:24 +0000

Part 2
As an …
Part 2
As an example PREPA does not want to install negative meters for household producing electricity from solar panels. At this time in PR the only solution is to get off the grid and produce your own electricity! PREPA have been sabotaging a project for eolic energy in Vieques Island and in Lalas, PR. As an example you have Palo Seco Bay in PR a place where PREPA can install at least 30 windmills

By: LuisBoriken

LuisBoriken — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:24 +0000

Part 3
on a …
Part 3
on a shallow useless bay that can produce electric energy from the Trade Wind and they have no said a single word about it. The general attitude of government officials are hurting the puertorican economy because they are permitting the cost of electricity to skyrocket.

By: TJPlocek

TJPlocek — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:23 +0000

Costs go up fast …
Costs go up fast and are not under anyone’s control. The nearby Deep Ocean Water will take some years (5 to 10 at least) before OTEC and other technologies can provide substantial benefits. The island has the resource and demand as well as capable people to make it happen. We need more widespread understanding and concerted effort to make it happen.

By: TJPlocek

TJPlocek — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:23 +0000

Very few people …
Very few people know about OTEC. We are trying to spread knowledge, particularly in Puerto Rico where it can help a lot. But initially it will not reduce electricity costs because the first units will be quite expensive. However, it will prevent costs from increasing and it will provide jobs and economic growth.

By: TJPlocek

TJPlocek — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:22 +0000

Offshore …
Offshore Infrastructure Associates is a Puerto Rico firm working for several years now to introduce commercial OTEC to Puerto Rico. Check out our web site offinf dot com. Also view other videos posted by tjplocek

By: ModernGeographic

ModernGeographic — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:23:22 +0000

Can you name one or …
Can you name one or two private firms working on OTEC in PR–if any? Autoridad De Energia Electrica De Puerto Rico is a monopoly running amok. “Plugging” OTEC feeds into PR infrastructure is a frustrating exasperation. PR seems to be leaning toward independence, and legislation aside… independent-attitudes toward PR in the US Congress IS delivering PR what they’re asking for. Slightly imaginable… perhaps PR will purchase Chavez’s oil in five years. OTEC for PR!