UTM-Ocean Thermal Energy Centre (UTM-OTEC)

UTM-Ocean Thermal Energy Centre (UTM-OTEC) was established on the 3rd of January 2013, with Emeritus Prof. Dr. Md Nor Musa as the first Director.   Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. A. Bakar Jaafar was the second Director, up until the 31st of May 2020. The current Director is Ts. Dr. Sathiabama T. Thirugnana (effective from the 1st of June 2020). 

Following a restructuring program introduced by UTM in 2015, UTM-OTEC, the Centre of Hydrogen Energy (CHE), and the Centre of Electrical Energy Systems (CEES) were grouped under the Institute of Future Energy (IFE) as they all focus on clean energy systems and electrical distribution.

The main purpose of this centre [UTM-OTEC] is to promote investment in the commercialisation of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technology while developing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

One of the greatest potentials of OTEC technology is the production of drinkable mineral water; this involves converting excess power into hydrogen fuel and uses deep seawater from OTEC plant condensers. There are other revenue streams that can be explored like the production of high-value seaweeds, fugu fish, prawns, abalone, and temperate cash-crops, as seen in Kumejima OTEC Park in Okinawa, Japan, and NELHA Kona OTEC Park in Hawaii, USA. 

Prior to and since the establishment of UTM-OTEC in 2013, it has been challenging to find an anchor partner to participate in the development of the first Pioneer Ocean Thermal Energy-Driven Development Project in Malaysia.

 As of now, UTM-OTEC has managed to secure a number of research and study grants, locally and internationally.