LEGAL INSIGHTS OF OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION LAWS: PAVING THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Abstract

Given the world ever growing populations and endless struggles for energy acquisitions leading to geopolitics activities and wars, the dire need for an alternative renewable energy production is no longer an option but a must. The development of ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as a form of renewable energy are steadily becoming a reality with many nations gearing for actual commercialisation plants which principally is for financial gain. However, since all the current OTEC projects are at the research and development stage, there is a need to investigate whether the respective nations are ready with the necessary provisions of law, be it by using the available renewable energy law or towards creating a specific law on OTEC itself. This article looks to review at the current progress of research on OTEC development by studying the laws of these countries and determine the legal readiness in implementing OTEC commercial development.