Electricity powered through blue economy
Electricity generated by ocean thermal energy conversion project could be installed in the country, as global organisations join forces for a pilot project in Fiji.
The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) pilot project is led by Global OTEC.
Recognised as a leader in the commercial development of OTEC, the company was requested to meet with national and regional stakeholders in Suva, Fiji.
Founder and chief executive officer Dan Grech and commercial director Andreas Koall met with national authorities to present OTEC technology, discuss the country’s potential and gather information to inform the site selection for a possible pilot project.
“The blue economy holds great promise for small island developing states (SIDS) such as Fiji,” Mr Grech said.
“A fraction of its ocean space could be utilised, with mission proven technology, to provide electricity and wider benefits, such as aqua-culture and desalination.” Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services Taitusi Vakadravuyaca, along with engineer Jeke Pai, from the Department of Energy, met the team.
“By harnessing the power of the ocean, we can propel Fiji towards a more diversified, sustainable and environmentally conscious future”, the ministry said.
The country’s blue economy stakeholders worked closely with Global OTEC to guide the technical, social, economic, and environmental parameters necessary to inform future more detailed studies.
The results will guide Fiji’s policymakers in making informed decisions regarding the integration of OTEC into the country’s energy mix.
OTEC is a cutting-edge technology that uses the temperature differences in both surface seawater and deep ocean water to generate clean and sustainable energy, which can be diversified to produce clean drinking water through desalination as well as aquaculture and agriculture industries.
By tapping into this vast and untapped energy source, Fiji has the potential to significantly reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
Global OTEC is a United Kingdom-based private company set up to accelerate the commercialisation of a floating OTEC technology to develop zero-carbon, baseload, clean energy sources to achieve maximum impact in empowering SIDS.
The idea is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eventually eliminate total dependence on fossil fuel.