However, practical utilization is not likely to be 
competitive except where thermal gradients are 
large and near the consumer. One power plant 
applying this principle near Abidjan in West Africa 
has been under development for several years but 
is not yet in operation. 
b. Future Needs Power generation from waves, 
currents, thermal gradients, geothermal sites, and 
other ocean sources offer potential. Continuing 
effort should be applied to improve our capability 
to exploit these potential power sources. 
C. Conclusions 
A tidal power plant is technically feasible under 
special geographical conditions to meet peaking 
power requirements. The New England Passama- 
quoddy Bay area offers the most logical U.S. site 
for such a proposed project. 
The role of nuclear power systems in the 
exploration and exploitation of the sea is as 
certain as man’s ability to develop the technology 
to utilize the ocean environment—and his determi- 
nation to do so. It is technically feasible to design 
and build an underwater nuclear reactor plant. The 
cost effectiveness of such a system depends on 
many factors—site, distance from land, depth of 
water, local use, and consideration of such advan- 
tages as thermal effect for ecological benefits and 
safety to the populace. 
Recommendations: 
Proceed with a program to construct and operate 
as a National Project an Experimental Continental 
Shelf Submerged Nuclear Power Plant in the 
ocean. 
Periodically evaluate the feasibility of a tidal 
power project, particularly in the New England 
area. The funding of this project, if proven 
economically acceptable, should be by private 
capital. The Federal Government should assist in 
such areas as navigation, safety, and recreation. 
Implement a continuing study project to moni- 
tor progress and seek technical and economical 
means to generate large amounts of power from 
tides, waves, currents, thermal gradients, ocean 
floor geothermal wells, and other ocean sources. 
VI-219 
