Perspectives for mid-term energy strategies in the Western Pacific Islands

Abstract

The islands of the Western Pacific have no reserves of petroleum, natural gas, or coal. Nevertheless, the proliferation of energy-consuming devices and the consequent increase in oil imports are regarded as synonymous with progress by the population. During the 1974 oil crisis the delivery of crude oil and petroleum products to the Micronesian islands was cut off. This situation is likely to be repeated in case of another general oil shortage, although Guam, where the supply to military installations will continue, may be less seriously affected than other islands. The realization of this situation has forced islanders to consider alternative energy sources. Sunshine is strong, but is hampered most of the time by heavy cloud cover. Winds are erratic and unpredictable. However, the most promising source of energy appears to be the temperature gradient between the warm surface waters of the ocean and its cool depths. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology, as developed in Japan for small-scale installations, is suitable to the Pacific islands. Contracts to build such plants in several islands are now being negotiated with Japanese firms.