Navigating the Waves of Ocean Thermal Energy: Australian Startup Strives for Commercial Success
Key Ideas
  • Deep Sea Energy aims to pioneer the first commercial OTEC project globally, potentially in Australia or Malaysia, overcoming technical and financial challenges.
  • Collaboration with Korean researchers on the K-OTEC1000 prototype shows early promise in ocean energy feasibility, with plans to scale up to 100 MW.
  • Cost reduction strategies, like utilizing off-the-shelf components, aim to bring down the levelised cost of electricity for OTEC to make it competitive in the market.
  • While facing hurdles like infrastructure design and business model establishment, Deep Sea Energy targets providing low-cost electricity for green hydrogen production near populated areas.
Deep Sea Energy, an Australian startup, is ambitiously pursuing the development of the first commercial ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) project in the world. Despite facing skepticism and awareness challenges in Australia, co-founder Ivan Chua is dedicated to building a compelling business case to attract investors. A pivotal collaboration with Korean researchers showcased the potential of the K-OTEC1000 prototype, pushing the boundaries for OTEC technology. The company envisions scaling up the project to 100 MW, with a focus on cost reduction strategies to make OTEC competitive in the energy market. While exploring potential locations like Queensland and Western Australia, Deep Sea Energy aims to provide inexpensive electricity for green hydrogen production, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Challenges such as infrastructure design and business model establishment lie ahead, but the team remains optimistic about the commercial viability of OTEC. By leveraging advancements in heat exchange technology and international partnerships, the company is determined to navigate the complexities of the energy industry and lead the way in ocean energy innovation.
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