20 January 2025, London, UK & Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Brazil, a global leader in renewable energy with a significant potential for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), is taking a major step forward in this sector. The Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia (COPPE/UFRJ) has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based Global OTEC, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to drive the development of ocean renewable energy in the country. This collaboration aims to foster technological innovation, research and sustainable energy growth.
The two-year partnership will focus on joint research projects, knowledge sharing, and developments to demonstrate the viability and advantages of OTEC technology in Brazil. This cooperation is expected to lead to groundbreaking advancements in ocean renewable energy, contributing to global initiatives to combat climate change and promote clean solutions for power generation.
Professor Joel Sena Sales Junior, Coordinator of the Waves and Currents Laboratory (LOC/COPPE/UFRJ) welcomed the collaboration. “This partnership represents an opportunity for cooperation between an innovative company and the university. It will allow for the exchange of knowledge and ideas regarding the challenges and solutions surrounding the floating OTEC plants project”, commented.
Global OTEC is advancing ocean renewable energy through initiatives like PLOTEC, a project that involves designing and testing a storm-resistant floating platform for OTEC. The company has also developed the OTEC Power Module®, a proprietary self-contained skid that enables a lower-cost, modular approach for clean baseload power from the ocean, focused on powering offshore operations.
“This collaboration with COPPE/UFRJ marks a significant milestone for ocean thermal energy in Brazil,” said Dan Grech, Founder and CEO of Global OTEC. “Following our recent structural demonstration and the launch of the OTEC Power Module® at the Petrobras geothermal workshop, we are thrilled to explore the potential of working with local partners to lead the charge in renewable energy. Together, we aim to unlock the vast potential of OTEC, showcasing how the ocean can deliver clean, reliable power solutions while positioning Brazil at the forefront of this transformative innovation.”
About COPPE
The Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia (COPPE/UFRJ) is a renowned research and education institution at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, specialising in advanced engineering studies. Established in 1963, COPPE/UFRJ is recognised for its cutting-edge research, innovation, and contribution to the development of sustainable technologies, including ocean engineering and renewable energy. The institute is a leader in fostering scientific excellence and driving technological advancements to address global challenges.
About Global OTEC
Global OTEC was founded to provide clean, reliable and affordable energy from the ocean to power a diverse range of offshore applications and even entire countries, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The company’s technology builds on decades of process expertise and OTEC demonstrations validated around the world. Global OTEC has designed the first floating commercial OTEC system to transform how the world is powered and is also leading the EU-funded project PLOTEC.
About OTEC
OTEC is a renewable technology that harnesses the ocean’s thermal gradient to generate electricity. Warm surface seawater is used to vaporise a working fluid, driving a turbine to produce energy, while cold deep-sea water condenses the fluid, creating a continuous cycle. As the ocean surface remains warm year-round, OTEC can provide 24/7 electricity, positioning it as a great sustainable energy option for countries located in the tropical area of the ocean.
