Drift: Pioneering Hydrogen Production at Sea with Autonomous Yachts
Key Ideas
- Drift is developing autonomous yachts that produce hydrogen at sea, offering a more efficient way to create and transport fuel, particularly in remote areas.
- The vessels use wind energy to power an onboard electrolyser, converting seawater into hydrogen and oxygen, potentially storing hydrogen as a liquid for denser storage.
- The yachts aim to act as mobile green hydrogen factories, capable of refueling hydrogen-powered ships at sea or delivering hydrogen to offshore tankers and ports.
- By integrating production and distribution in one vehicle, the yachts could reduce costs and complement existing larger hydrogen plants, akin to ambulances supporting hospitals.
UK startup Drift is pioneering a new concept in the maritime industry by developing autonomous yachts that produce hydrogen at sea rather than relying on hydrogen-powered engines. The innovative vessels utilize wind energy to generate electricity via a turbine, which powers an onboard electrolyser to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. This process enables the yachts to carry 2-4 tonnes of hydrogen per trip, with potential plans to store hydrogen as a liquid for more efficient transportation. Drift's vision includes using these energy-producing yachts to refuel hydrogen-powered ships, deliver hydrogen to ports, and operate as mobile green hydrogen factories. The company's algorithm, developed by AI firm Faculty, determines optimized routes for maximum hydrogen production. While the yachts are intended to complement existing large-scale plants, their self-sufficiency and cost-cutting benefits are seen as a valuable addition to the hydrogen industry. With significant funding secured and successful trials completed, Drift aims to scale up its technology to build larger yachts capable of substantial hydrogen production.