White Paper on OTEC 2.0

Date: May 08, 2026 at 17:59 GMT

This White Paper on OTEC 2.0 was produced within the scope of PLOTEC, an EU-funded project. It highlights the potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as a reliable renewable energy solution, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal regions seeking to strengthen energy security and economic resilience.

The report identifies key priorities for OTEC’s path to large-scale deployment, including improved site selection, advanced engineering solutions for cold water pipes and moorings, mitigation of vortex-induced vibration effects, and the development of viable financial pathways. It also stresses the importance of responsible deployment through comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments, long-term field studies, robust monitoring frameworks, adaptive management strategies, and standardised guidelines to support ecosystem protection, public acceptance and long-term sustainability.