zaha hadid architects designs hydrogen fuel stations for italian marinas

investing in a sustainable future

In a groundbreaking move, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has revealed the design for the world’s first green hydrogen refueling infrastructure for the recreational boating industry. This ambitious project is set to kickstart in twenty-five marinas and ports across Italy, revolutionizing how boats are powered and showcasing a commitment to sustainability in marine transportation. Led by NatPower H, a subsidiary of the NatPower group, the green hydrogen infrastructure represents a €100 million investment. The project is scheduled to commence installation in the summer of 2024, aiming to establish one hundred refueling stations across the Mediterranean in the next six years. This initiative aligns with plans for global expansion to cater to the growing demand for sustainable power sources in recreational boating.

visualizations © Tecma Solutions

Harnessing Renewable Energy for Green Hydrogen Production

Zaha Hadid Architects designs each station to integrate wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen, a stable and eco-friendly resource. Making use of NatPower H technologies, the infrastructure responds to the escalating global need for sustainable energy solutions. By emitting only water vapor and warm air, hydrogen-generated electrical power in fuel cells contributes to a cleaner environment. The one hundred refueling stations are expected to be operational by 2030 are projected to eliminate approximately 45,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from Mediterranean recreational boats annually.

with 3D robotic material placement, the stations are constructed with fully recyclable, dry-assembled masonry

zaha hadid architects addresses Eco-Conscious Boating Industry

Together with Zaha Hadid Architects, NatPower H has established a green hydrogen fuel solution grounded in three key principles — safety, scalability, and sustainability. The stations will supply PED certified low-pressure metal hydride technologies tailored for marine applications, ensuring compactness, safety, and resilience in accordance with industry regulations. Moreover, a keen focus on circularity and the protection of marine ecosystems underscores NatPower H’s commitment to responsible and sustainable energy solutions. 

The boating industry’s increasing demand for sustainable vessels is met with innovative solutions aimed at reducing ecological impact. Protected marine areas worldwide now restrict the use of diesel engines, emphasizing the urgency for ecologically sustainable developments. However, the transition to green energy is hindered by the lack of infrastructure for distributing and refueling with zero-impact energy sources.

each station will integrate wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen

NatPower H is collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects to construct green hydrogen refueling stations that are ecologically responsible and adhere to the highest safety standards. Leveraging ZHA’s expertise in modular systems, the design is adaptable to diverse locations throughout the Mediterranean. This adaptability allows for a customized configuration for each refueling station, addressing specific local needs such as size, seating, bike charging facilities, and pedestrian circulation within ports and marinas.

With the use of 3D robotic material placement, the stations are constructed with fully recyclable, dry-assembled masonry, minimizing construction waste while enhancing material efficiencies. The design, inspired by nature, echoes the striated structures and fluid geometries found in Mediterranean landscapes and marine ecosystems. ZHA’s research into modular systems, computational design, and 3D printing has resulted in a circular construction that reduces structural materials by up to 50%, without compromising performance.

the design echoes the striated structures and geometries of Mediterranean landscapes and marine ecosystems

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project info:

project title: NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Stations

architecture: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects

location: Italy (25 locations planned)

size: 50 square meters

design team:
principal architect: Patrik Schumacher
project director: Filippo Innocenti
project associate: Luciano Letteriello
ZHA CODE: Tommaso Casucci, Heba Eiz, Oliver Moldow, Taeyoon Kim, Binru Wang, Jianfei Chu, Vishu Bhooshan, Henry Louth, Shajay Bhooshan
ZHA videography: Henry Virgin

consultants team:
strategic positioning: Baglietto
american’s cup partnership: BlueGame
hydrogen technology consultant: BluEnergy Revolution

project management, engineering advisor: Fichtner

media, PR: Havas
hydrogen and technology partner: Linde
legal consultant partner: Studio Maresca Safety Advisor: Sige
communication, images: Tecma Solutions