Under the framework of the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) the joint Malaysia-Japan “Development of Advanced Hybrid Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Technology for Low Carbon Society and Sustainable Energy System: First Experimental OTEC Plant of Malaysia” program has proceeded since FY2018 towards establishing a hybrid OTEC system in Malaysia. Under the program, and to develop human resource capacity, each year researchers from Malaysia visit Saga University and Kumejima to experience and learn about the actual implementation of OTEC and related technologies.

Due to the COVID pandemic, for the past two years, the research visits and training have been carried out online, however, this year, researchers were able to attend in person.

As part of the program, 12 researchers were able to successfully visit sites in Saga Prefecture including the Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University (IOES), as well as visit Kumejima where they were able to see various applications of deep ocean water industrial use and Okinawa Prefecture’s OTEC Demonstration Facility. Unfortunately, one participant caught COVID while in Japan and immediately isolated. The trip was slightly modified so that remaining workshops will be held online. The participant is recovering well at Okinawa Prefecture designated facilities.

From the on-site opportunities, new ideas and networks were established to enable future discussion and development towards an implementation strategy for Malaysia.