The Ocean Thermal Energy Association
The Ocean Thermal Energy Association (OTEA) is a volunteer organization providing a means for collection, coordination, and dissemination of information for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) stakeholders. The Association is transnational, non-political, and dedicated to the realization and future growth of commercial OTEC deployment. This is an association consisting of individuals with interest in the development of OTEC technology and closely related activities.
Our Story
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and related technologies such as seawater air conditioning (SWAC) and Deep Ocean Water (DOW) use have long been relatively unknown despite significant research and implementation around the world. Over the past 13 years, various countries have hosted the annual International OTEC Symposia, which have brought together stakeholders to discuss ideas and developments, but many felt a more organized framework was necessary to connect stakeholders and contribute to ocean thermal energy development. Established in October 2020, this volunteer community is working together through networking and collaboration to meet the needs of members and those who hope to see clean ocean energy supplying power and resources for islands and costal communities.
We now have more than 590 members and observers from 57 countries and regions.
Our Executive Committee
The OTEA Executive Committee (ExCo) are volunteers selected by their peers and serve two-year terms. Each Country or region with 3 or more members selects a delegate to represent them. Our ExCo, has a wealth of experience in academia, government, and the private sector.
Dr. Yasuyuki Ikegami
ExCo Chair, Japan Delegate
Professor and Director at the Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University
Dr. Kashawn Hall
Barbados Delegate
Dr. Gouri S. Bhuyan
Canada Delegate
Dr. Han Yuan
China Delegate
Andrés Fernando Osorio Arias
Colombia Delegate
Dr. Kevin Fontaine
France Delegate
Dr. Franck Lucas
French Polynesia Delegate
Dr. Samson Packiaraj Raphael V
India Delegate
Dr. Nugroho Agung Pambudi
Indonesia Delegate
Kaoru Sohun
Mauritius Delegate
Dr. Erika Paola Garduño Ruiz
Mexico Delegate
Dr. Lars Golmen
Norway Delegate
Michael A. Katz
Oman Delegate
Dr. Carmelo Dilao
Philippines Delegate
Dr. Seung-Tael Lim
South Korea Delegate
Shih-Chi Lee
Taiwan Delegate
John A. Bowleg
The Bahamas
Berend Jan Kleute
The Netherlands
Dr. Solange Kelly
Trinidad and Tobago Delegate
Bret Strogen
USA Delegate
Dan Grech
UK Delegate
Diego Acevedo
Combined Region Delegate
Liaisons
IEA-OES
Dr. Purnima Jalihal
On October 7, 2026 OTEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the IEA’s Ocean Energy Systems Technology Programme. Due to her extensive experience and understanding of both organizations, and to support this effort, Dr. Purnima was selected as the official liaison between the two organizations.
OTEA Secretariat
The OTEA Secretariat carries out the day to day task of operating the OTEA. The Secretary General is appointed by the ExCo.
Benjamin Martin
Secretary General
Benjamin coordinated the foundation of OTEA and has served as Secretary General since its inception.
Our Logo
The OTEA logo was designed by member Endy Chaniago, Co-Founder and CTO of Supreme Technics, a Malaysian-based company that specializes in In-Water Inspection using ROV.
Bylaws
Our bylaws were adopted by the founding ExCo Membership in October 2020. The current version of the bylaws can be accessed below.