UK, London: Global OTEC has achieved a major milestone with the successful installation of the world’s first offshore platform specifically designed for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). The floating prototype has been deployed in the Canary Islands, marking an important step towards expanding OTEC for tropical and subtropical islands and coastal regions.
OTEC produces electricity by using the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold water from the deep ocean. While small-scale onshore systems have already proven the technology, the large seawater pipes required have limited growth. Offshore deployment reduces pipe length by around 80 %, making larger-scale power generation possible.
Many tropical islands still depend on diesel and heavy fuel oil for electricity, leaving them vulnerable to high energy costs and fuel price fluctuations. Although wind and solar energy have been introduced, limited land space and difficult seabed conditions often restrict further development.
OTEC offers a different approach by using the ocean’s natural temperature gradient to deliver reliable, continuous baseload power without competing for land resources. Global OTEC estimates that more than 25 GW of fossil-fuel-based generation across tropical islands could eventually be replaced by OTEC systems.
A key achievement of the PLOTEC project was the successful installation and connection of the vertical seawater intake riser, considered one of the most challenging parts of an offshore OTEC system.
The prototype is operating at PLOCAN, a marine technology test site off the Spanish coast, where engineers can assess performance and environmental effects in real conditions. Supported by €3.5 M from the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the project has progressed from simulations and tank testing to full offshore deployment.
Global OTEC’s next step will be bringing its first OTEC Power Module® to Hawaii, advancing the technology towards delivering 24/7 renewable energy for islands and coastal communities.
Source: Global OTEC
