PORT DICKSON, Jan 20 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Saga University of Japan and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) are proud to announce the official opening of the UPM-UTM Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Centre, a groundbreaking collaboration under The Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program funded by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (MOHE). The ceremony, held at UPM’s Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (I-AQUAS) in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative Hybrid Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (H-OTEC) technology.
This landmark event, officiated by His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, and graced by the presence of YB Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia, celebrates the culmination of years of dedicated research and development. Distinguished guests include Vice Chancellors, Board Members, industry members, OTEC Project Developers and Investors, and international researchers. The significant event is made even more meaningful with the presence of Prof. Dr. Ichihiko Toyoda, the Vice-President of Saga University.
The six-year SATREPS OTEC Project is a joint research Project between the Governments of Japan and Malaysia which includes Research and Development of the Hybrid OTEC (Open and Closed Cycles Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) system and the multi-utilization of Deep Seawater (DSW) in Malaysian eco-system and it is called “Malaysia model”. H-OTEC represents a world-first achievement, combining the efficiencies of open and closed cycle OTEC systems. It not only generates continuous, clean energy by leveraging the ocean’s thermal gradient, but also supports desalination to produce fresh water. Beyond electricity and water production, this transformative technology enables green hydrogen generation, aquaculture, and agricultural applications as well as cooling of the data servers of data centres, and thus, creating opportunities for local economies.
The deep waters off the States of Sabah and Sarawak offer immense OTEC potential, with an estimated capacity of 26,000 MW. The UPM-UTM OTEC Centre exemplifies how innovative technologies can drive sustainable development, addressing critical challenges such as energy access, food security, and water scarcity. The H-OTEC lab will be a satellite lab of both UTM and Saga University. It will attract high calibre researchers, students, both local and international institutions and aimed to produce best students and researchers in marine renewable energy.
The officiating ceremony featured addresses by the extinguished guests, video presentations on the SATREPS-OTEC program, and a guided tour of the H-OTEC Centre. The collaboration aims to position Japan and Malaysia among global leaders in renewable energy, OTEC research, while fostering industry and international partnerships for a greener and sustainable future.
