د . إAEDSRر . س

Startup Planning To Provide Renewable Energy To 6,000 Homes In Gozo And Malta With Octopus-Like Offshore Platform

Article Featured Image

A platform resembling an octopus is being developed in order to provide 6,000 homes in Gozo and Malta with clean, renewable energy.

The platform, designed and developed by startup Octoteq, can provide energy wherever it is deployed – and Gozo-based CEO Petr Bajer is planning to start off the project in Malta and Gozo.

Octoteq patented a solution combining all three renewable sources of energy: wind, wave and solar. With Gozo and Malta being rich in all three, the islands make for an ideal location to get the project started.

The free-flow shapes of the platform are in fact inspired by an octopus, and the platform blends in with the surroundings on the surface and below the water. The design thereby keeps the marine environment in mind, aiming to protect the environment and minimise the damage to the habitat.

The Octoteq project has support of the European institutions within the Green Deal and Horizon Europe frameworks. Running as a remote operation, the project is decentralised, meaning the team is located in numerous European countries.

“Our aim together with all our European partners, is to create a solution that will do no harm to the marine life and deliver the renewable and sustainable energy to homes of everyone,” said CEO Bajer, who recently relocated to Gozo to concentrate fully on the Octoteq project.

The semi-submerged floating platforms ensure high power density per square meter, utilising maximum available power in various weather conditions. Each platform can generate 68 MW, which is equivalent to powering over 6,000 homes.

However, gaining support from the Maltese government has been ‘like talking to a stone’. Despite positive responses from the European Commission and other pan European institutions, it’s much harder on a local level.

But Bajer stays optimistic: “I believe we will succeed and find a way to talk about sustainability and the projects that we are trying to push through.”

What do you think of the Octoteq project?

READ NEXT: Despite Malta And The World's Declaration Of Climate Emergency, Our Ecosystem Is Rapidly Deteriorating Before Our Eyes

Belle dives deep into seas and stories. She’s passionate about mental health, environmental sustainability and social justice. When she’s not out and about with her dog, she’s more than happy to hear from you on Instagram @belledejong or at [email protected]

You may also love

View All