Energy and freshwater in the context of blue economy

Abstract

Blue economy is seen as monetization of resources from the ocean in a sustainable manner. However, intangible resources like energy and freshwater from the sea are as important and can play a dual role in not only mitigating climate change, but also helping the economy through better health of the people, job creation, wealth generation, capacity building of the offshore industry and developing indigenous technologies. The energy–water nexus can be addressed efficiently with novel ocean technologies for harnessing both power and fresh-water from the oceans. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, India has developed several technologies which can and have changed the lives of the coastal and island populations in a sustainable manner.