12 November 2024, Rio de Janeiro – Ocean energy pioneer Global OTEC has announced its latest advancement in sustainable power for offshore energy exploration and production at the 1st Brazilian Workshop on Geothermal Energy Utilization and Storage. During the event hosted by Petrobras at the Cenpes Convention Center in Rio de Janeiro, the company unveiled the OTEC Power Module®. This innovative system represents a breakthrough in utilising Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology to sustainably power remote offshore platforms and wells.
Designed as an alternative to traditional long subsea tiebacks, the OTEC Power Module® provides clean baseload electricity and flow assurance services without the need for cables and hydraulics, which typically limit reach to 35 km. Building on Global OTEC’s experience in developing OTEC for island states and the upcoming installation of a tropical storm-resistant hull in the Atlantic Ocean, this new module is engineered to deliver scalable, baseload energy for offshore platforms that is carbon-free.
With the specific demands of deepwater operations in mind, the OTEC Power Module® is projected to reduce the CAPEX associated with long subsea tiebacks by 20-30%, while also enhancing operational efficiency and reducing CO2 and methane emissions. “This technology opens up new possibilities for offshore field development, especially in locations where conventional energy supply is costly or logistically challenging,” commented Yann Helle, Group Managing Director at 2H, Global OTEC’s partner in the platform’s riser development.
The OTEC Power Module® operates using an Organic Rankine Cycle, harnessing the ocean’s natural temperature gradient by drawing on warm surface seawater and cold deepwater. This allows the system to generate a continuous, clean baseload of electricity, running 24/7 throughout the year.
With each OTEC Power Module® providing up to 500 kW of gross installed capacity, Global OTEC’s proprietary self-contained skid design allows for a modular approach to ocean energy. The modules are equipped with advanced safety and control systems to support both local and remote operations, making them a versatile addition to offshore infrastructure. “Our team has developed the OTEC Power Module® as an uncrewed solution to integrate with existing offshore systems, ensuring stability and efficiency,” explains Sam Johnston, Lead Engineer at Global OTEC.
With its recent expansion into Houston, Texas—a major energy industry hub—Global OTEC is strategically positioned to collaborate with leading offshore operators. “Our technology adds value and efficiency to offshore oil and gas operations, providing a scalable, cost-effective energy solution that enhances field economics,” says Dan Grech, Founder and CEO of Global OTEC. “This pathway is essential for unlocking larger scale OTEC projects that will be capable of replacing gas and diesel turbines upon FPSOs”.
