Currently under construction at Hidramar Shipyard in Gran Canaria, Spain, a prototype designed to advance ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) in storm-prone areas has reached the halfway completion milestone.

Fabrication began in March, and once completed, the cylindrical hull, along with a coldwater riser pipe and gimbal connection point, will be assembled in the Atlantic Ocean for testing. This structure is being developed by PLOTEC, a pan-European consortium funded by the EU, which includes seven companies. 

The latest advancements at the shipyard include the completion of the platform’s first level, achieved by plasma cutting over 660 steel plates ranging from 6 to 65 mm in thickness. The assembly of the entire structure is progressing rapidly. Each plate is meticulously prepared for welding, mounted onto the keel for fitment verification, then welded into its final position, with all welds rigorously tested for defects. 

The project aims to advance the renewable energy transition for small island developing states (SIDS) that are vulnerable to severe weather conditions. This will be achieved by enhancing OTEC technology with an offshore platform specifically designed to withstand intense tropical storms, hurricanes and cyclones. Predominantly reliant on outdated diesel generators, SIDS lack clean and geographically suitable alternatives for electricity generation. With the ocean as their most abundant natural resource, OTEC emerges as an appropriate solution for power generation, especially when adapted to withstand the severe weather conditions they face. 

The PLOTEC 1:5 scaled prototype will be installed for testing at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), approximately 3 km off the coast.

Learn more here.