The International OTEC Symposia have taken place since 2013, each time hosted by a separate organizing committee in each host country. The Ocean Thermal Energy Association (OTEA) guides the overall organization of these events from 2020. This latest symposium will take place May 4-5, 2023 in Houston, Texas.

9th International OTEC Symposium
The 9th International OTEC Symposium will take place alongside the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston Texas in 2023
- Dates: May 4-5, 2023
- Organizers: Excipio Energy
- Venue: Greentown Labs and Virtual
- 4200 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX 77004
- Participation: In-person or Online
- Contact: otecsymposium9@gmail.com
Registration and Fees
Registration will proceed through eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-otec-symposium-houston-tx-tickets-560793296847
Registration for speakers is free. Submit your abstract to receive a promo code BEFORE registering.
Exhibition space is available on a first-come first-served basis, but limited. Contact the host for more information.
Participation
This will be a hybrid event with interactive in-person/online opportunities. More information on the online platform will be made soon, however, in principal, presenters will speak live and be able to answer questions. In the case of technical challenges, we ask virtual presenters to provide pre-recorded presentations as a backup. All presentations will be recorded and available to review after the event.
Fees
Live Attendance (non-speaker) : $150
Virtual Participation: Free
Preliminary Program
Thursday May 4th, 2023 8:00~17:00
Reception 17:30~19:30
Friday May 5th, 2023 8:00~17:00
Logistics
There are two major airports in Houston including George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU). Depending on the airline you use, either may be used. Given the high profile Offshore Technology Conference, we suggest reserving hotels as soon as possible. The Greentown Labs venue is just off I-69 in mid-town Houston. The downtown area provides many high-end hotel options. The Galleria area near I-610 and the I-69 junction also provide many lower-cost options. Transportation to the venue is not included in the participation cost, however, other participants may be able to assist. Let the secretariat know if you need assistance.
Some additional (humorous) information from our US Delegate (located in Houston):
1. You must first learn to pronounce the city name, HOUston. Foreigners are still allowed to call it YOUston
2. The morning rush hour is from 5:00 am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 7:00 pm. Friday’s rush hour starts on Thursday morning.
3. The minimum acceptable speed on I-45 is 80 mph. On 99 and 59, your speed is expected to at least match the highway number. Anything less is considered ‘Wussy’.
4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Houston has its own version of traffic rules. For example, Ferraris and Lamborghinis owned by sports stars go first at a four-way stop. Cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go second. The trucks with the biggest tires go third. The HOV lanes are really designed just for the slow Louisianans passing through who are used to hogging the left lane everywhere.
5. If you actually stop at a yellow light or stop sign, you will be rear ended, cussed out, and possibly shot. Unless there is a police car nearby,
(Seriously, be careful in yellow lights. And You do need to stop completely at a stop sign or you will be fined) .
6. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It’s another offense that can get you shot.
7. Road construction is permanent and continuous. Detour barrels are moved around for your entertainment pleasure during the middle of the night to make the next day’s driving a bit more exciting. Generally, city roads other than the main streets have more potholes and bumps (usually speed bumps) than most dirt roads in the countryside.
8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, ladders, possums, skunks, dogs, barrels, cones, furniture, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, squirrels, rabbits, and crows.
9. Be aware that spelling of street names may change from block to block. 610 may be South loop west, East loop south etc.
10. If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been “accidentally activated”.
11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 75 in a 55-65 mph zone, k, e.g., you are considered a road hazard and will be “flipped off” accordingly. If you return the flip, you’ll be shot.
MOST IMPORTANT: If you get LOST, Look for I-45 or I-10… Then you are somewhere in Houston.
Submissions
Submissions are now closed. Thank you to all who submitted abstracts. You will be contacted by the secretariat soon.