Ocean thermal energy, seawater air condition and hydroponic systems are practical solutions that can create new opportunities and help protect the region, says the Korean Embassy’s maritime and fisheries attache, Ahn Joonyoung.
Speaking on behalf of his government’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries at a three-day USP sustainable seawater utilisation workshop in Lautoka yesterday, Mr Ahn said these were not just scientific terms.
“From education and culture to fisheries and renewable energy, we continue to work together to create a better, more sustainable future and that future includes you,” Mr Ahn said.
He said the workshop was part of Korea’s development cooperation with Fiji and the Pacific.
“Through programs like this, we share ideas and technologies that can help solve the global challenges we all face from climate change and food security to clean energy and sustainable growth,” he said.
USP School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics professor of mechanical engineering, thermo-fluids and energy Ahmed Rafiuddin said such workshops were part of the capacity-building of a major ODA project funded by the Korean government.
“We submitted a proposal through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Korean Embassy, and then it went to the Korean government and to the appropriate ministry, and this project was selected for funding,” Mr Ahn said.
Prof Rafiuddin said coal and diesel were most commonly used with some researchers attempting to create a mix of bio fuels.
“Whether straight vegetable oils or biodiesel, mixed with diesel and there’s also a global drive for clean coal. But even with all that, there will be harmful emissions for the environment. This one ocean thermal energy for power production is a fully-renewable energy source. No harmful effects to the environment.”
