The Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia (COPPE/UFRJ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UK-based Global OTEC to drive the development of ocean renewable energy in Brazil. 

The partners say the collaboration aims to foster technological innovation, research and sustainable energy growth. The two-year partnership will focus on joint research projects, knowledge sharing, and developments to demonstrate the viability and advantages of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technology in Brazil. 

Global OTEC says it is advancing ocean renewable energy through initiatives like PLOTEC, a project that involves designing and testing a storm-resistant floating platform for OTEC. The company has also developed the OTEC Power Module, a self-contained skid that enables a modular approach for clean baseload power from the ocean, focused on powering offshore operations.

“This collaboration with COPPE/UFRJ marks a significant milestone for ocean thermal energy in Brazil,” said Dan Grech, founder and CEO of Global OTEC. “Following our recent structural demonstration and the launch of the OTEC Power Module at the Petrobras geothermal workshop, we are thrilled to explore the potential of working with local partners to lead the charge in renewable energy."