Harnessing the Indonesia’s Banda Sea Thermal Resources Through Comprehensive OTEC Potential Study

Abstract

The Banda Sea, located in Indonesia's equatorial region, exhibits significant potential for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) due to its deep-water layers and consistent surface temperatures. This study evaluates the OTEC feasibility in the Banda Sea by analyzing monthly and seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) data from 2015, obtained from Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis. Spatial and vertical temperature profiles were processed using Ocean Data View (ODV) to identify mixed-layer, thermocline, and deep-layer characteristics. Results indicate an average temperature gradient (ΔT) of 22.7°C between the surface (29–30°C) and 600–700 m depth (5–7°C), meeting the minimum ΔT requirement (20°C) for OTEC. The Carnot efficiency (η) reached 77%, surpassing the 70% benchmark for viable OTEC systems. However, long-term time-series analysis data from 2005 -2017 revealed intermittent periods where ΔT fell below 20°C, likely due to seasonal upwelling, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, or anomalous ocean mixing. Those are posing reliability challenges for continuous power generation. While the Banda Sea’s thermal resources are promising, operational intermittency suggests the need for hybrid energy systems to ensure grid stability. This study provides critical insights for OTEC deployment in tropical regions, balancing renewable energy potential with technical constraints.