Recently docked in New York City for Earth Day, Energy Observer is the world’s first self-sufficient, zero-emission laboratory vessel powered by renewable hydrogen. For the last seven years, the innovative vessel has sailed 62,000 miles, crossed four oceans, and visited more than 40 countries and 86 ports. Testing zero-emission technologies that show promise for practical industrial applications in maritime transport, Energy Observer is the first to integrate a mix of renewable hydrogen technologies, including:
- Onboard Hydrogen Generation: Producing up to 8 kg of green hydrogen daily through seawater electrolysis.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Designed around a Toyota fuel cell, the system powers the onboard electrical production system.
- Energy Storage: Excess renewable energy produced from solar, wind, and hydropower are stored in lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, about 62g of hydrogen is stored onboard in tanks, providing 1 MWh of electricity and 1MWh of heat.
Transporting billions of cargo annually, the maritime sector is essential for the global economy but carries a heavy environmental burden, contributing approximately 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions yearly. As global momentum grows amongst stakeholders to decarbonize the maritime industry, plans are underway for Energy Observer 2, a larger-scale vessel powered by liquid hydrogen. Equipped with more fuel cells and liquid hydrogen tanks, this new and improved cargo ship is expected to transport up to 5,000 tons of goods emission-free by producing its own renewable hydrogen.
Meanwhile, the original Energy Observer will return to France for retirement, offering a final showcase at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. As the original Energy Observer prepares for retirement after a remarkable journey, its successor emerges as a beacon of hope for a decarbonized future on the high seas.
