Deep Seawater Industry (DSWI) – Potential for the development of a new economic sector on Aruba

Abstract

Aruba, a small island in the Caribbean, is facing some of the typical island challenges, i.e. high dependency on food and fossil fuel imports, no natural fresh water resources, high and volatile electricity costs and an economy mainly built around tourism. At the same time Aruba ́s Government committed to the challenging objective of becoming 100% renewable by 2020. With Aruba ́s proximity to the ocean and year-round stable temperatures there is a great potential for sustainable growths in the fields of energy, water and food. This thesis explores the potential for developing a deep seawater industry (DSWI), which is defined as an innovative economic sector based on the use of the surrounding ocean water. The research goal of the thesis was achieved by comparing the technologies of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and seawater air conditioning (SWAC) in terms of their potential and feasibility to form the backbone of such a DSWI. Forming the backbone involves supplying a sufficient effluent stream of cold deep seawater to be used in the DSWI as well as the economic feasibility bas a stand-alone solution. SWAC was found to be the more suitable technology as the basis for the DSWI development due to the higher effluent stream and the better economic evaluation compared to OTEC technology. Subsequently, potential technologies for the DSWI were identified: Fresh water production through dew collection, aquaculture and fruit- and vegetable cultivation. All options were evaluated on their potential production outputs as well as economic profitability. To conclude the thesis, the macroeconomic impact in terms of job creation, emission reduction, annual output (produce) and economic impact ($/year) was assessed. While differences in terms of profitability between the technologies have been identified the thesis concluded with the advice to Aruban decision makers to concentrate on a holistic approach and pursue the implementation of all of the assessed technology. By doing so, a great step will be taken towards sustainability of the island and Aruba can position itself as a role model for sustainability.