GS3 · Energy / S&T

OTEC project at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep

Battle IAS current affairs title card: OTEC project at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep (GS3 · Energy / S&T, 6 March 2026)

What happened

  • The Earth Sciences Minister reviewed the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion project at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, which aims to supply both freshwater and energy [PIB].

Background

  • OTEC uses the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water; NIOT (MoES) is developing it.

Why it matters

  • Islands that depend on diesel get clean power and water.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Science and technology developments and applications

  1. As per PIB (2026-03-06): the Earth Sciences Minister reviewed the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion project at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, which aims to supply both freshwater and energy.
  2. Islands that depend on diesel get clean power and water.
Quotable data point

The Earth Sciences Minister reviewed the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion project at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, which aims to supply both freshwater and energy.

PIB: MoES: OTEC Kavaratti, 6 Mar 2026

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: OTEC principle.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

OTEC exploits

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Project site

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Nodal ministry

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Go deeper

Official source: PIB: MoES: OTEC Kavaratti, 6 Mar 2026

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending