Sustainable energy is needed globally, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a possible way to diversify the energy matrix. This article suggests a preliminary selection process to find optimal sites for OTEC deployment on the Mexican coastline. The method comprises the (1) evaluation of the thermal power potential, using daily data (16 years) of sea surface temperature, and the percentage of available time of the power thresholds; (2) assessment of feasibility using a decision matrix, fed by technical, environmental and socioeconomic criteria; (3) identification of four potential sites; and (4) comparison of OTEC competitiveness with other technologies through the levelized cost of energy. Multi-criteria decision analysis was applied to select optimal sites, using the technique for ordering performance by the similarity to the ideal solution. The best sites were (1) Puerto Angel and (2) Cabo San Lucas; with power production of > 50 MW and a persistence of > 40%. As yet there is no evidence from operational OTEC plants that could alter the environmental and socioeconomic criteria weightings. More in situ studies on pilot plants should help to determine their possible environmental impact and socio-economic consequences before any larger-scale projects are implemented.

The energy potential of the oceanic thermal gradients of the Mexican Pacific Ocean was valued theoretically, using seasonal oceanographic data on surface and 1000 m depth ocean temperatures from 1955 to 2013, taken from the World Ocean Database (WOD). The study was carried out to determine possible sites for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), assuming that the minimum usable gradient is 20 °C and the maximum profitable distance from the extraction site to the shore is 10 km. Geographic Information System tools were used to compute thermal gradients and distances to shore all along the Mexican coast. Then, the optimal sites were identified. The results show that the best sites for OTEC exploitation are found in the southern Pacific coast on the littoral of the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca.

The aim of this article is to show how an OTEC Ecopark could provide comprehensive, sustainable, and quality products that satisfy the diverse needs of coastal communities in Mexico. An offshore 60 MW hybrid Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant is proposed, which will provide products that will not only fulfill the water, energy, and food needs of the coastal communities, but also energize the local blue economy. An assessment of the financial feasibility of the plant as well as a comparative analysis against other forms of energy generation was carried out. The methodology section includes a market description, literature review for the technical design, methods for mitigating socio-environmental risks, and an analysis of operational risks. To determine financial feasibility, the CAPEX, OPEX and annual revenue, including the sale of CELs and carbon credits, were evaluated. The Internal Rate of Return suggests that the system would pay for itself in year 5 of the system’s 30-year life. The methodology used for this case study, with site-specific adaptations, can be applied to other coastal communities across the globe.

As the operation of an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plant depends on the temperature gradient between the surface and deeper water (SST), a variation in SST can significantly modify the energy produced. The aim of this paper is to present a comparative analysis of three sea-surface temperature databases (World Ocean Atlas (WOA), Satellite Oceanic Monitoring System (SATMO), and in situ sensor measurements). Simple linear regression and graphic comparisons allow correlations to be made between the distribution patterns of the SST data. The results show that there is no statistically significant difference between the three databases. To determine general regions where OTEC implementation is possible, at the macroscale, the WOA database is recommended, as a smaller amount of data must be analyzed. For meso- and microscales, such as specific areas of the Mexican exclusive economic zone. It is better to use SATMO and in situ measurements as a higher spatial resolution is required.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an assessment of the resource potential for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) in the Mexican Pacific Ocean (MPO). Research methodology adopted in this study is a combination of geographic information system (GIS), to identify the most promising site in the MPO for OTEC deployment. Site selection criteria rely on conditions such as distance to cold water pumping, bathymetry, thermal difference (not less than 20°C), and social and environmental aspects. Finally we concluded that sites located in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca have the highest potential of the entire MPO, although there are other areas in the states of Baja California Sur, Nayarit, or Michoacan that might have some interest for OTEC technology.

To guarantee sustainable development at a global level, humanity currently faces serious challenges related to a greater demand and better distribution of food to meet the needs of the growing population in environments affected by global climate change (GCC), and in limiting conditions with respect to natural, genetic, financial, and technological resources. Therefore, there is a dire need to implement technologies that can guarantee food security and sovereignty around the world, enabling sustainable development for all nations. Cold-Water Agriculture (ColdAg) is an available technology that offers an alternative to conventional food production in coastal areas and islands of the tropical and subtropical belts worldwide, making use of cold deep ocean water. Mexico has places with the optimal environmental conditions to adapt this technology, mainly in coastal areas and islands, which can contribute to ensuring access to food and drinking water. Initial tests have shown its viability, while production costs need to be adjusted to make this technology accessible to the poorest populations, so that it can contribute to their sustainable development and wealth. In this review article, we aimed to critically analyze some of the most salient literature on the ColdAg technology and outline the feasibility of this technology to be implemented and exploited in Mexico to contribute to alternative food production in a sustainable manner.