The by-product of the ocean thermal energy conversion isa.gasesb.cold waterc.chemicalsd.hot water

The by-product of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is cold water.

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. OTEC is a process that can produce electricity by using the temperature difference between deep cold ocean water and warm tropical surface waters.

2. OTEC systems pump large quantities of deep cold seawater and surface seawater to run a power cycle and produce electricity.

3. The warm surface water is used to boil a fluid, creating steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity.

4. The cold water from the deep ocean is then used to condense the steam back into a liquid, which can then be reused in the boiling process.

5. After the cold deep seawater has passed through the system, it is discharged back into the ocean.

So, the by-product of the process is cold water.