Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation Partners with Johnson Controls to Advance Military Energy Independence

Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTE Corp) has secured a $3.5 million contract with Johnson Controls to design and assess an innovative renewable energy system for the U.S. Army Garrison - Kwajalein Atoll, signaling a potential breakthrough in military energy sustainability.

The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a 17.5MW Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system that harnesses natural ocean temperature differences to generate continuous clean power and desalinated water. This technology represents a significant advancement in addressing energy challenges for remote military installations, which often rely heavily on imported fossil fuels.

Working alongside DCO Energy, OTE Corp will develop a comprehensive system design including project load analysis, conceptual engineering, and cost estimation. The collaborative effort builds upon previous successful projects, such as a seawater cooling system for a Bahamian resort and an OTEC conceptual design for Bahamas Power and Light.

The project's key objectives extend beyond mere energy production. Researchers will validate the practicality of OTEC systems for remote military bases, demonstrate system reliability and scalability, and collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to tailor the technology to specific operational requirements.

A critical component of the project involves exploring seawater desalination capabilities, which could enhance water resilience at the Kwajalein Atoll site. This holistic approach addresses both energy and water sustainability challenges faced by isolated military installations.

Jeremy P. Feakins, OTE Corp's Chairman and CEO, emphasized the project's strategic importance, noting that the initiative advances renewable energy integration into national defense strategies while enhancing operational resilience.

The potential implications of this project are substantial. By developing a sustainable energy solution that reduces dependency on imported fossil fuels, the U.S. military could significantly decrease operational costs, minimize environmental impact, and improve energy security for remote installations.

As global energy challenges and climate concerns continue to evolve, innovative technologies like OTEC represent a promising pathway toward more sustainable and resilient energy systems. This collaboration between OTE Corp, Johnson Controls, and the U.S. Army could serve as a model for future renewable energy deployments in challenging geographical contexts.