MarinE energy specialized short course: OCean thermal energy conversion
A Marine Energy Short Course offered by the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center at Florida Atlantic University
May 11-15, 2026
Funded through the US Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office, DE-EE0011382
Course Overview
One-week on-site short course training composed of tutorials and hands-on mini-projects. By the end of the short course, participants will understand the challenges of developing and implementing Ocean Thermal Energy systems; learn the fundamental physics of how open-cycle, closed cycle, and hybrid cycle Ocean Thermal Energy plants operate; learn the practical aspects of how these systems can be built through the construction and testing of mini Ocean Thermal Energy plants; and understand how this can be done at a commercial scale. This short course will greatly benefit researchers and practitioners in the field of Ocean Thermal Energy-based power production and Ocean Thermal Energy-based desalinization. Short lectures will be given in the morning session to introduce the background and basic knowledge of the subject, and a hands-on project will be the focus each afternoon for the first four days and tested on the fifth day. The format for the mini project will be both cooperative and competitive, with student groups competing to develop the Ocean Thermal Energy plant that produces the maximum amount of electrical power when installed between the FAU research pool (warm water resource) and an ice bath (cold water resource).
Who Should Apply
Undergraduate and Graduate students of all majors from U.S. universities interested in ocean thermal energy.
How to apply
1) Prepare a 1-page “statement of interest” summarizing your 1) academic background, 2) academic and career plans, and 3) how you believe this training will benefit your academic and career goals.
2) Download and complete the 2026 SNMREC Specialize Short Course on Ocean Thermal Energy conversion application form found here.
3) E-mail completed application form and statement of interest to Mahsan Sadoughipour (msadoughipou2023@fau.edu).
Timelines
Application Window: March 20- April 4, 2026.
Selection Notifications: April 8, 2026.
Training: May 11-15, 2026.
Application Selection Criteria
We plan to support approximately fifteen participants, with at least eight non-FAU students selected using the following criteria:
- Applicants who apply within the application window and whose marine energy related research, development, and career goals will be enhanced by this training.
- Priority will be given to graduate students and senior undergraduate students considering ocean thermal energy as part of their research or career path.
Additional students may be invited to participate without receiving financial support.
Award Includes
- Five days of in-person training focused on Ocean Thermal Energy.
- A flat-rate stipend of $800 to offset housing, meals, and other costs associated with this training. Full 5-day participation is required to receive this stipend, but receipts are not needed.
- An additional travel stipend of up to $500 to cover flight costs or mileage ($0.445/mile) associated with traveling to this location. Flight receipts or departure location information is required to receive this additional stipend. Flights must utilize standard/coach class tickets.
- A Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) certificate of completion for those who complete this training.
