Fugro gets work on floating platform for project harnessing ocean energy

Dutch geo-data specialist Fugro has secured a role in the EU-backed PLOTEC project, providing sensor technology to support the advancement of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technology in storm-prone regions.

According to Fugro, the sensors will track platform movement and hull response to waves, playing an important role in validating the floating platform’s resilience under real-world conditions.

PLOTEC, a pan-European consortium comprising seven companies, is focused on enhancing energy security for small island developing states (SIDS) through a cost-effective and robust renewable energy solution, Fugro noted.

The OTEC platform, designed to operate continuously, even in extreme weather conditions, will be installed in the Atlantic Ocean in the coming weeks.

“By harnessing the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater, OTEC offers a clean and reliable energy solution, working 24/7, all year round. This technology reduces reliance on outdated diesel generators, promoting energy independence and sustainability for island nations,” Fugro stated.

The floating platform is now in the final fabrication stages. Fugro’s sensors will be necessary for capturing data to assess the structure’s performance in dynamic offshore environments, ensuring operational stability and efficiency.

Funded by the EU, PLOTEC seeks to demonstrate the potential of OTEC technology as a sustainable and scalable solution for global decarbonization, targeting communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Horizon Europe and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) awarded €3.5 million for the project in December 2022. The EU-backed project, which began fabrication in March, is dedicated to supporting the renewable energy transition in small island developing states (SIDS) that are known for severe weather conditions. 

The PLOTEC consortium includes Global OTEC (UK), Cleantech Engineering (UK), WavEC Offshore Renewables (Portugal), The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands PLOCAN (Spain), Quality Culture (Italy), Agru Kunststofftechnik Gesellschaft (Austria) and University of Plymouth School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (UK). 

Just recently, Global OTEC launched its latest solution leveraging OTEC technology to provide sustainable power for offshore operations, including platforms and wells.