Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTE Corp) has secured a $3.5 million contract with Johnson Controls to advance energy independence for the U.S. Army Garrison at Kwajalein Atoll through innovative renewable energy technology.
The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a 17.5MW Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system that will reduce the military installation's reliance on imported fossil fuels. By harnessing natural ocean temperature differences, the system will generate clean, continuous power and potentially provide desalinated water.
DCO Energy will serve as the owner's engineer, developing a comprehensive OTEC system design that includes project load analysis, conceptual engineering, and cost estimation. The collaboration builds on previous successful projects in seawater cooling and energy generation.
Key project objectives include validating OTEC system practicality for remote military bases, demonstrating system reliability and scalability, and collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to meet specific operational needs.
OTE Corp's CEO Jeremy P. Feakins emphasized the project's significance, noting that it represents a critical step in integrating renewable energy into national defense strategies. The initiative addresses multiple challenges, including energy security, sustainability, and operational resilience in remote locations.
Beyond energy production, the project will explore seawater desalination to enhance water resources at the Kwajalein Atoll site, providing a holistic approach to infrastructure sustainability.
This collaboration highlights the potential of innovative renewable energy technologies to support military installations, particularly in geographically challenging environments with limited traditional energy infrastructure.
