A UN-recognized initiative Small Island Developing States (SIDS DOCK) and Naval Energies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the development of marine renewable energy.
Under the agreement SIDS and Naval Energies will collaborate to foster the development of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), deep-sea conversion and floating offshore wind projects in small islands countries.
The signing ceremony took place during fifth session of the Assembly of SIDS DOCK, held on 28 September 2019, at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber, on the sidelines of the seventy-fourth (74th) UN General Assembly, at UN Headquarters, in New York City, United States (U.S.).
SIDS DOCK and Naval Energies will collaborate to foster the development of OTEC Deep-Sea Conversion and floating wind projects in small islands countries, recognizing that the ocean is the largest renewable resource for SIDS.
Deep-Sea Conversion plants gather simultaneously the production of renewable and sustainable electricity through an OTEC system as well as air-conditioning, fresh water, aquaculture and industrial cooling.
Offshore Floating Wind turbines are powered by nearshore wind to feed the islands’ grids with a reliable, sustainable and renewable new source of electricity for their renewable mix with no land pressure.
Through this partnership, both SIDS DOCK and Naval Energies will closely cooperate with regional organizations, the small island countries and the renewable energies stakeholders to promote the development of OTEC Deep-Sea Conversion and Floating Offshore Wind projects.
Together, the partners will be advocating Marine Renewable Energies development, gathering experts and mobilizing resources to perform site studies and feasibility studies in order to attract sponsors and investors to finance the development of project on a short-term basis, with the goal of helping the SIDS transition to a Blue Economy.