On September 19, 2024, HydrOTEC held its second workshop meeting at the Limassol Municipal University Library, marking another milestone in the project’s commitment to advancing Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology. The workshop brought together project various stakeholders including the project partners Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Ayia Napa Marina, Enerbasque, International Hellenic University, and LumoScribe.
Workshop Highlights
The half-day session began with welcoming remarks and an introduction from the Project Coordinator Prof. Toula Onoufriou, who emphasized the innovative potential of OTEC as a renewable energy source for marine infrastructure. Prof. Onoufriou also outlined HydrOTEC’s main objectives and the various work packages underway, reinforcing the project’s mission to develop efficient, sustainable energy solutions for marinas and similar marine infrastructure settings. Furthermore, the Scientific Coordinator of the programme Dr Paul Christodoulides presented the various aspects of the project implementation.
Technical Insights and Innovations
The workshop delved into several technical areas, beginning with an introduction to the fundamentals of OTEC technology and an overview of the experimental systems being employed. Led by experts such as Lazaros Aresti (CUT), Javier Calvino (Enerbasque), and Constantine Michailides (International Hellenic University), discussions focused on methods for converting thermal energy into electricity and the integration of marine engineering aspects essential to the system’s infrastructure design.
Other technical presentations highlighted the project’s innovative approach to real-time monitoring of environmental parameters. In particular, Panagiotis Stylianidis (CUT) and Marios Koronides (CUT) provided insights into data-driven environmental assessments, and Andreas Theodosiou, Lumoscribe presented on the use of optical fibers for advanced energy data collection.
Collaborative Vision and Future Goals
The workshop concluded with a Q&A session and closing remarks by Prof. Onoufriou, underscoring HydrOTEC’s commitment to collaboration and transparency. Attendees expressed enthusiasm about the project’s goals, including the expected benefits for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability within the marine sector. The session reinforced the collective ambition to foster advancements in renewable energy through OTEC, paving the way for future phases of the project.
Funded by CETPartnership under the European Commission’s Joint Call 2022, HydrOTEC continues to lead in pioneering research and development to meet Europe’s renewable energy targets. This second workshop further established the collaborative spirit of HydrOTEC, positioning the project as a forward-thinking initiative in the field of sustainable energy for marine infrastructures.
