Dr Jitendra Singh Reviews Ocean Desalination Projects in Lakshadweep

13 Mar 2026 CW Team

Officials reported that Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plants established by the Ministry of Earth Sciences are operational across eight islands and supply potable water in a region affected by limited groundwater, salinity intrusion and seasonal rainfall. The technology uses the natural temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep-sea water drawn from depths of about 350 to 400 metres. Trained local manpower supports plant maintenance.

The minister reviewed progress on the country's first Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant at Kavaratti, with civil construction nearing completion and major process equipment fabricated for phased installation. The project aims to generate electricity and potable water simultaneously by utilising the ocean's natural thermal gradient.

Attendees discussed a nearly three point eight kilometres long high density polyethylene pipeline to draw cold seawater from depths of more than 1,000 metres for the OTEC system. Officials reported that welding of sections is underway on the southern side of the Kavaratti lagoon and about 250 metres of pipeline has been assembled. The pipeline will transport deep-sea cold water to the onshore facility to enable desalination and power generation.

Officials indicated that once commissioned the plant will have a desalination capacity of about 100 cubic metres per day and will operate independently of diesel based electricity that currently powers most island infrastructure. The project is expected to reduce fuel dependence and support long term energy and water requirements for the island community. The ministry said the combined progress of LTTD facilities and the OTEC powered plant demonstrates advancement of indigenous ocean science towards sustainable development goals in island territories.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science and Technology, reviewed ocean technology projects led by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Lakshadweep at a meeting in Kavaratti. The review examined measures to strengthen water security and advance sustainable energy solutions for the island territory. Officials and ocean experts briefed the minister on operational performance and remaining timelines. Officials reported that Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plants established by the Ministry of Earth Sciences are operational across eight islands and supply potable water in a region affected by limited groundwater, salinity intrusion and seasonal rainfall. The technology uses the natural temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep-sea water drawn from depths of about 350 to 400 metres. Trained local manpower supports plant maintenance. The minister reviewed progress on the country's first Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant at Kavaratti, with civil construction nearing completion and major process equipment fabricated for phased installation. The project aims to generate electricity and potable water simultaneously by utilising the ocean's natural thermal gradient. Attendees discussed a nearly three point eight kilometres long high density polyethylene pipeline to draw cold seawater from depths of more than 1,000 metres for the OTEC system. Officials reported that welding of sections is underway on the southern side of the Kavaratti lagoon and about 250 metres of pipeline has been assembled. The pipeline will transport deep-sea cold water to the onshore facility to enable desalination and power generation. Officials indicated that once commissioned the plant will have a desalination capacity of about 100 cubic metres per day and will operate independently of diesel based electricity that currently powers most island infrastructure. The project is expected to reduce fuel dependence and support long term energy and water requirements for the island community. The ministry said the combined progress of LTTD facilities and the OTEC powered plant demonstrates advancement of indigenous ocean science towards sustainable development goals in island territories.

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