Global OTEC unveils ocean thermal energy solution for offshore platforms and wells

Global OTEC has launched its latest solution that uses ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) for the provision of sustainable power to offshore operations, including platforms and wells. 

According to Global OTEC, developed under the EU-funded PLOTEC project, its new OTEC Power Module is engineered to produce continuous, clean baseload electricity by tapping into the ocean’s temperature gradients. The self-contained system utilizes an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), harnessing warm surface seawater and cold deepwater to generate power around the clock.

With up to 500 kW of gross installed capacity per module, the OTEC Power Module eliminates the need for long subsea tiebacks, which are typically limited to 35 kilometers due to reliance on cables and hydraulics.

Global OTEC’s technology tackles deepwater operational challenges by offering a scalable and modular offshore energy solution. According to Global OTEC, it is intended to support platforms while reducing CAPEX by 20-30% over standard subsea tiebacks.

The carbon-free operation of the module also aims to cut CO2 and methane emissions, positioning it as an environmentally friendly alternative for the offshore oil and gas sector.

“This technology opens up new possibilities for offshore field development, especially in locations where conventional energy supply is costly or logistically challenging,” said Yann Helle, Group Managing Director at 2H, Global OTEC’s partner.

Building on Global OTEC’s prior island-based projects, the OTEC Power Module is expected to deliver reliable offshore power under extreme conditions, including an upcoming tropical storm-resistant hull installation in the Atlantic Ocean, the company said. Equipped with safety and control systems, the uncrewed modules are designed for seamless integration with existing offshore setups and can operate locally or remotely.

“Our team has developed the OTEC Power Module as an uncrewed solution to integrate with existing offshore systems, ensuring stability and efficiency,” explained Sam Johnston, Lead Engineer at Global OTEC.

Global OTEC had also expanded its operations to Houston, Texas, positioning itself among key players in the offshore energy sector. The company’s founder and CEO, Dan Grech, highlighted the module’s potential for enhancing field economics in oil and gas operations.

“Our technology adds value and efficiency to offshore oil and gas operations, providing a scalable, cost-effective energy solution that enhances field economics,” said Grech. “This pathway is essential for unlocking larger scale OTEC projects that will be capable of replacing gas and diesel turbines upon FPSOs.”

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). 

In terms of the most recent news coming from Global OTEC, the consortium entered the final stages of the storm-resistant hull construction for the OTEC prototype in September at Hidramar Shipyard, Gran Canaria, setting the stage for Atlantic Ocean testing.