] A number of Pacific island nations are discussing using
] new Japanese technology that can both desalinate seawater
] for drinking and produce electricity by exploiting the
] difference in temperatures between the surface of the sea
] and the depths of the ocean.

some good news for a change. NYT requires free registration.

Japanese Technology May Help Islands Reap Pacific's Waters

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

YOTO, Japan, March 22 — A number of Pacific island nations are discussing using new Japanese technology that can both desalinate seawater for drinking and produce electricity by exploiting the difference in temperatures between the surface of the sea and the depths of the ocean.

The Republic of Palau in the western Pacific is working with Saga University in southern Japan to build a system that can produce enough drinking water to meet the needs of its 20,000 residents, while producing electricity, said the country's president, Tommy Remengesau Jr.