Accelerating Commercialisation of Ocean Renewable Energy, Following Project now in Operation in Okinawa

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, announced that its verification research of feasibility and dissemination of combined use of deep ocean water with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion in Mauritius, in cooperation with Xenesys, and Saga University , was selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization  as part of an initiative to verify the effectiveness of energy technologies that contribute to the realization of stable supply, economic efficiency, environmental compatibility, and safety under overseas environments and to promote their use in Japan and overseas. MOL has acccumulated knowledge in this field by participating since April of this year in the operation of a 100kW-class OTEC demonstration facility in Kumejima Town, Okinawa, which is operated and managed by Xenesys Inc., the only such facility in Japan. These initiatives are aimed at speeding up the commercialization of ocean renewable energy.

OTEC technology generates power using differences in the temperature of seawater, which is warmer at the surface and colder at lower depths. It pumps cold water from deep sea areas below 600m and uses the difference with warmer surface water to extract energy. A unique feature of OTEC is that it is not affected by weather, which makes it more stable. In addition, the cold marine deepwater, even after it is used for power generation, is unchanged and still at a low enough temperature for secondary use in various fields, such as fisheries, agriculture, and air conditioning. Because of these characteristics, OTEC is drawing attention as a sustainable power generation technology.

Research on OTEC is progressing in Hawaii, South Korea, and Nauru, but it has yet to be commercialized. MOL aims to commercialize OTEC power generation as soon as possible in Japan and overseas by operating the Kumejima OTEC demonstration facility and conducting the verification research in Mauritius, also by utilizing the knowledge and know-how accumulated through its various offshore business and its supply chain network.

MOL has implemented a range of activities to protect and restore the environment and contribute to local communities in Mauritius  since July 2020, when an MOL-chartered bulk carrier, the Wakashio, grounded off the island.

Mauritius established a road map to raise its percentage of renewable energy to 60% by 2030. OTEC, which can reliably generate power 24 hours a day regardless of weather conditions, has great potential in Mauritius, thanks to the island’s advantageous geographical location in the Indian Ocean. Secondary use of seawater after power generation can also help other industries on the island. These factors contributed to MOL’s decision to plan this verification research in Mauritius.

MOL is also involved in wave power projects in addition to OTEC, to advance the commercialization of ocean renewable energy.