Development of Advanced Hybrid Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Technology for Low Carbon Society and Sustainable Energy System: First Experimental OTEC Plant of Malaysia

Develop an OTEC Malaysia Model with an innovative hybrid ocean thermal energy conversion system at its core
This project will conduct a demonstration of an innovative hybrid ocean thermal energy conversion system (H-OTEC) in Malaysia, a nation that has great potential for ocean thermal energy conversion. The hybrid OTEC system can resolve issues seen with conventional systems such as the cost of heat exchangers and the need for anti-fouling measures. There are high expectations for the system’s ability to desalinate seawater at the same time as generating energy. This project also aims to investigate the economic viability and construct models of systems that can utilize the deepwater raised by OTEC for other purposes in addition to power generation. Furthermore, the project is planning the utilization of research outcomes in society.

Making available new sources of clean power and safe water supplies
Deep ocean water utilized by hybrid OTEC has high added value, including nutritional value. Availability of deepwater can jumpstart the creation of new industries in areas such as farming and fishing, permitting the construction of a sustainable, low carbon Malaysia Model OTEC system that is advantageous to local industry in Malaysia. This model can then be rolled out to other parts of the world, including other Asian and Pacific Island countries.