The ocean can provide urban areas with the ability to harness thermal energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Energy from seawater is of particular interest to the residents of Les Sables-d’Olonne, a town in Vendée, France, as it could be a new alternative to other sustainable energy sources.
Les Sables-d’Olonne (Vendée, France) is beginning to implement a new cooling and heating solution (Photo: SP).
Abundant, Endless, and Renewable Energy Source
Scientists are using thermal energy from seawater to generate energy for heating systems, air conditioning, and hot water. This method operates very simply; seawater is pumped into a heat exchanger from a coastal depth of 5 to 10 meters, transferring energy from the seawater to a freshwater loop without mixing them. This process is known as thalassothermy.
The water is then discharged back into the natural environment without causing pollution. Within the freshwater loop of the system, a reversible heat pump can distribute energy as needed for heating or cooling to residents.
According to experts, thalassothermy has numerous advantages. The seawater undergoes no chemical treatment, thus this technique does not cause pollution, and the energy obtained through thalassothermy is incredibly abundant, endless, and renewable.
Schematic of the thalassothermy system for cooling buildings (Photo: Choisir).
In Les Sables-d’Olonne, home to 48,000 residents, the thalassothermal project is being implemented by local authorities to heat/cool 17 public buildings. The project is currently serving several locations within the town.
The French Electricity Company (EDF) affirms that thalassothermy is a suitable local solution for producing renewable energy.
In fact, it is perfectly suited for urbanized coastal areas, especially near buildings and facilities that require heating and cooling, such as municipal buildings and swimming pools. France has a vast coastline, both in mainland France and its overseas territories.
Therefore, this method is considered a step in the right direction as the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources.
