MOL’s OTEC project in Mauritius steps closer to commercialization

Business Developments & Projects

January 15, 2024, by Zerina Maksumic

An ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) project developed by Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) in Mauritius has made a step towards commercialization by being selected for a program commissioned by Mauritius’ Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

MOL’s project involves an initial study on installing water intake pipes, a part of a larger study. This study aims to assess the viability of using deep ocean water for commercial OTEC in Mauritius.

From May 2022 to May 2023, MOL conducted a study, commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The study, “Study on the Conformity of Demonstration Requirements for the Combined Use of Deep Ocean Water with OTEC as the Core in Mauritius”, evaluated Mauritius’s suitability as the primary developer for OTEC facilities.

This study also assessed installation conditions for these facilities. After considering various locations, MOL chose a site in the south-southwest region of Mauritius for development.

Mauritius, situated in the tropical Indian Ocean, is strategically positioned to implement OTEC. The country has set a goal to increase its renewable energy usage to 60% by 2030. As part of this effort, the introduction of OTEC has been incorporated into the national budget plan as a pilot project.

The project aims to enhance support for Mauritius by exploring the use of resources from the Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The next step involves examining and analyzing conditions for setting up water intake pipes at potential locations. The key focus of this investigation is to confirm the suitability of these chosen sites.

MOL is working to commercialize OTEC both in Japan and internationally, including in Mauritius. The company plans to use its experience in offshore operations and its supply chain network to achieve this goal.