Many countries are now suffering chronic water shortages due to the effects of climate change and overpopulation. This is a particular problem in developing regions. Higher global temperatures are causing lakes, wells and reservoirs to run dry, even as populations continue to rise.
One strategy being used to alleviate this crisis involves compact, floating “energy islands”. These combine offshore power generation with desalination plants. First developed in the 2010s, they are becoming a fairly common sight in tropical coastal areas, where conditions are ideal for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC).
Each island is hexagonal in shape and interlocked with other islands, forming artificial archipelagos. Wind turbines and concentrated solar power are installed on the topsides – while on the undersides, flash-evaporated seawater is used to drive turbine generators, in turn producing drinkable water.
A single 250-megawatt OTEC plant can meet the energy demands of 250,000 households and provide 600 million litres of drinkable water each day. Any surplus water can be used to support local agriculture and industry.
These islands also feature housing developments, fish farms, greenhouses and eco-tourism complexes, in addition to the water and power production facilities
In the 22nd century, they will evolve into much larger versions – entire “micronations” capable of roaming the seas
