sun, wind + hydrogen to power energy observer boat for six years around the world

sun, wind + hydrogen to power boat for six years around the world: two frenchmen, jerome delafosse and victorien erussard, are preparing to embark on a spectacular journey–they will attempt to circumnavigate the earth on ‘energy observer’, a catamaran powered solely by sun, wind and hydrogen. the green-vessel was previously a multi-hull race boat and has now been converted into an emission-free vessel equipped with solar panels, wind turbines and a hydrogen fuel cell system.

all images © energy observer

challenging both human and technological limitations is the ‘energy observer‘ team goal, harnessing the pure energy of nature, and also society, laboratories, institutions, start-ups plus companies. the six year planned odyssey around the world will be in search of innovative solutions for the environment. the team’s schedule includes six years, 50 countries and 101 stops, to prove that a cleaner world is possible. in their view, man formerly explored to conquer territories and appropriate the riches. with energy observer, the team’s mission is to explore, to discover, and share solutions for a cleaner future.

expedition leader, jerome delafosse + captain, victorien erussard

the former race boat was created by a team of architects, engineers and navigators, aiming for autonomy with a mixture of natural energy and the decarbonised production of hydrogen from sea water. the team believes the largest challenge faced in the 21st century is producing energy at a lower cost and carbon-free manner. this research and development is central to the ‘energy observer’ project, to demonstrate the performance of this new energy model, and thus serve as an example throughout the world.