Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Licensing Program

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is removing Part 981 from Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Part 981). Part 981 implements the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Licensing Program, which was established under the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980, as amended, (OTEC Act), 42 U.S.C. 9101 et seq. No applications under Part 981 for licenses of commercial OTEC facilities or plantships have yet been received by NOAA, and there has been a low level of NOAA activity under the OTEC Act. During this 15 year period of time, the availability and relatively low price of fossil fuels, coupled with the risks to potential investors, has limited the interest in the commercial development of OTEC projects. Removal of Part 981 at this time will allow NOAA to evaluate the appropriateness of these, or any other, regulations at such time as interest in the commercial development of OTEC projects occurs.