Energy Observer

Sep 30

Vessel information

Energy Observer is the first self-sufficient energy vessel with zero greenhouse gas emissions or fine particles. It is powered by hydrogen and renewable energies, thanks to energy coupling.

Their vision of the future consists in drawing our energy from nature, without damaging it, and without wasting it. With Energy Observer they want to share this vision throughout the world, thanks to an Odyssey for the future of 6 years, 50 countries and 101 stopovers.

Project name: Energy Observer

Project partners: Project partners

Contact information: contact@energy-observer.org or via Facebook page

Project durationdate: 14/4/2017-2022

News: News

Technical Data

Energy Observer is the first hydrogen vessel, aiming for the energy autonomy, with zero greenhouse gas emissions or fine particles. This former race boat, an outstanding competitor has been fully transformed into a vessel of the future, powered by electric propulsion thanks to a mix of renewable energies and a hydrogen production system that produces carbon-free hydrogen on board using seawater.

The website is full of fascinating detail, for example:

The batteries provide short term immediate power, whilst the hydrogen provides long-term autonomy. But above all, the Energy Observer demonstrates the immense advantage that hydrogen has over batteries.

The battery set weighs 1,400 kg for 112 kWh, whereas the hydrogen storage and fuel cell together weigh a total of 1,700 kg for 1,000 kWh. This means 1 kWh weighs 12.5 kg when stored in batteries, and only 1.7 kg when stored as hydrogen.

In other words, for equal weight, hydrogen storage contains 7.35 times more power than the batteries, which is a considerable advantage for mobility, whether it be on the sea, land or in the air.

Hydrogen type: Compressed

Hydrogen capacity (kg): 62

Storage pressure (bar): 350

Fuelcell power (kW): 22

Battery capacity (kWh): 112

Electric motor power (kW): 2x41

Speed (knots): 8-10

Length (m): 30.5

Breadth (m): 12.8