total electricity consumption in 2017, is 9.2–20.8% in China, 2.5–3.3% in Japan, and
1.3–1.6% in South Korea.
9.2.4 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) generates electricity using the temperature difference between water on the surface of the sea and at great depths. OTEC has
been considered a promising solution, especially since the Fukushima nuclear
accident in Japan, so an analysis of regional potential is appropriate. Here, OTEC
potential in the East Asia Ocean using Rankine cycle technology is analyzed and
discussed.
Fig. 9.6 Relationship between average annual solar irradiance and energy conversion efficiency
when t 0 ¼ 20
C and t sc ¼ 60
C
Table 9.4 Analysis of solar thermal power generation potential in China, Japan, and South Korea
Items
Country
China
Japan
South Korea
Solar radiation (kWh/m
2
/year)
(W/m
2
)
1050~1750
(120~200)
1182~1427
(135~163)
1270~1408
(145~161)
Area of the country (km
2
)
9,596,960
377,972
100,210
Potential of the electricity generation (TWh/year)
479~1084
23~31
7~8
Total electricity consumption in 2017 (TWh)
5219
927
512
Solar thermal power generation potential supply (%) 9.2~20.8% 2.5~3.3%
1.3~1.6%
Source: World Energy Resources (2016), Zhao et al. (2011), Jung and Frank (2014), The World
Factbook (2017), Global Energy Statistical Yearbook (2017)
178
B. Jia et al.