FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A FIXED OFFSHORE OTEC PLANT FOR COST-EFFECTIVE POWER GENERATION IN MALAYSIA

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a renewable energy technology that harnesses the temperature differential between warm surface water and cold deep ocean water to generate electricity and freshwater. Technological advancements have made OTEC increasingly viable, positioning it as a potential solution for sustainable energy generation in Malaysia. Despite its promise, OTEC development in Malaysia is challenged by the need for suitable sites and the high capital costs associated with traditional floating OTEC platforms. Additionally, efforts to attract anchor partners for OTEC projects have been met with limited success, slowing progress in implementation. This study assessed the feasibility of OTEC plant development in Malaysia through the analysis of sea temperature profiles, identifying five potential sites. A multi-criteria analysis was conducted considering factors such as cold water intake pipe length, proximity to power transmission lines, and environmental impact. The study also proposes a fixed offshore OTEC platform with a single-legged caisson structure, incorporating a braced substructure and dual-level production decks to optimize space for equipment and reduce CAPEX. Kuala Baram (Location C) was identified as the most favorable site due to its optimal conditions for cold water intake and proximity to transmission infrastructure. The proposed fixed platform design offers significant CAPEX reductions compared to floating alternatives, enhancing OTEC’s economic potential. The study’s findings support the immediate application of OTEC in Malaysia, particularly in ongoing projects off the coast of Sabah. Further research, including modeling and testing of the platform design, is necessary to advance commercialization and establish OTEC as a key component of Malaysia's renewable energy strategy.