Global OTEC Advances Ocean Thermal Energy with Onshore Pilot
UK-based Global OTEC is making strides in ocean thermal energy with the launch of its first onshore pilot of the OTEC Power Module. This compact system is designed to generate continuous, clean electricity by harnessing the temperature gradients in the ocean.
The onshore demonstration will utilize existing deep seawater intake sites to leverage the temperature variance between warm surface water and cold deep ocean water. This temperature difference will drive an organic rankine cycle (ORC) system within the module, with an anticipated power output of up to 500 kW of baseload power throughout the year.
“We’ve gone beyond mere concept validation and are now paving the way for the commercialization of a new era of renewable energy,” stated Dan Grech, Founder and CEO of Global OTEC.
“This demonstration plant is engineered to be replicable, compact, and efficient, ushering in a new era of offshore infrastructure powered by the ocean,” he added.
Global OTEC is currently finalizing the location for the pilot project, which is expected to validate technical performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability in preparation for offshore deployment.
“Unlike previous OTEC endeavors that were primarily research-oriented, this pilot will showcase real-world scalability and readiness for mass production across over 100 tropical and subtropical regions where the technology holds immense potential,” the company highlighted.
The OTEC Power Module, designed for modular deployment, is positioned as a low-carbon solution for powering remote subsea infrastructure, ports, data centers, and island communities. According to Global OTEC, the technology could reduce CAPEX for lengthy subsea tiebacks by 50%.
Simultaneously, Global OTEC is making progress on the construction of a floating, storm-resistant prototype in Gran Canaria, Spain, to assess offshore deployment viability.
“Transitioning from theoretical papers and laboratory tests to physical OTEC systems is imperative. Our vision is a future where OTEC plays a pivotal role in the global energy transition,” remarked Gretch.
In February, Global OTEC announced its preparations to deploy a floating cylindrical hull into the Atlantic Ocean, with operations slated to commence once weather conditions permit. The deployment will occur at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) off Gran Canaria, Spain.
In January, Global OTEC teamed up with Brazil’s COPPE/UFRJ through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on enhancing the country’s OTEC technology. The two-year partnership will concentrate on joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange, and technological advancements.