As part of a commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future, the Global Ocean Energy Alliance (GLOEA) supported a mission in Fiji for an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Pilot Project. The initiative, backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), was conducted by Global OTEC’s technical experts. Recognised as one of the leaders in the commercial development of OTEC, the company was requested to meet with national and regional stakeholders in Suva, Fiji.
Global OTEC’s Founder and CEO Dan Grech and Commercial Director Andreas Koall had meetings 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 such as Fiji. A fraction of its ocean space could be utilised, with mission proven technology, to provide electricity and wider benefits, such as aquaculture and desalination,” highlighted Dan Grech.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services Taitusi Vakadravuyaca, along with Engineer Mr. Jeke Pai, from the Department of Energy, welcomed the team. “We are excited to embark on this journey of exploration and discovery as we unlock the immense potential of OTEC in Fiji. By harnessing the power of the ocean, we can propel Fiji towards a more diversified, sustainable and environmentally conscious future,” said the Ministry in a public note.
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. These results will help 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.
