Commercial-scale ocean thermal energy conversion tech launched

UK-based firm Global OTEC has presented its next-generation Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) platform which can generate 1.5MW net output by harnessing temperature differences in the ocean.

The platform, named Dominique, was presented at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum and will be installed at a pilot project in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Global OTEC will now conduct a geotechnical (seabed) survey and then finalise design of the project-specific system. Construction and installation of the system can then begin.

The company expects to start the commissioning of Dominique by the end of 2025.

“We know Dominique is a life-changer for small islands and coastal nations, and that’s why we see the pace of the project on track for success. This is an important lesson we want to share with investors as the public-private partnership allowed the smooth undertaking of critical techno-economic, environmental and social studies to progress to this point”, highlighted Global OTEC’s founder and CEO Dan Grech.

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São Tomé and Príncipe is the first country to host a commercial-scale OTEC platform.

National energy director of the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Environment of São Tomé and Príncipe, Gabriel Maquengo, stated:

“OTEC is a new opportunity for São Tomé and Príncipe to explore renewable energy, meeting the national ambitions and goals of the National Determined Contributions.”

Global OTEC explains that OTEC technology uses temperature differences in both surface seawater and deep ocean water to generate clean energy.

According to the firm, by tapping into this mostly untapped energy source, SIDS and coastal nations can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels facilitating energy transition.

Global OTEC plans to deploy Dominique to small island states worldwide, with the potential to decarbonise 10GW of installed diesel capacity across SIDS DOCK’s 32 countries.

According to industrial development expert and coordinator of the GN-SEC Program at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Martin Lugmayr:

“Ocean energy is the forgotten renewable energy source, that has the potential to drive the blue and green economy aspirations of small islands and coastal nations.”