Drift's High-Tech Sailing Yachts: Generating Clean Energy and Meeting Hydrogen Demand
Key Ideas
- Drift plans to use high-tech sailing yachts to generate clean energy and meet the growing demand for clean hydrogen, with the first ship expected to be built by 2025.
- The specially developed catamarans will produce electricity using hydrogen generators and electrolysers, enabling the production of 150,000 kilograms of hydrogen per charge.
- AI-controlled route planning ensures optimal sailing conditions, allowing for efficient electricity generation and release either on land or to other ships.
- Investors like Octopus Ventures and Blue Action Accelerator are showing interest in Drift, with funding of GBP 4.65 million received to build the high-tech vessels.
Energy start-up Drift is planning to revolutionize clean energy production and transportation by utilizing high-tech sailing yachts. These yachts, designed to meet the increasing demand for clean hydrogen, will function as power plants and suppliers simultaneously. The 58-metre-long catamarans equipped with solar modules and vertical hydrofoils will harness wind power and house hydrogen generators underwater to produce electricity while sailing. This electricity will be used to create green hydrogen through electrolysers, stored in standardised tanks below deck. The ships, set to be operational by 2027-2028, are expected to generate 1-2 megawatts of electricity and produce 150,000 kilograms of hydrogen per charge, revolutionizing the sustainability of energy production. Furthermore, AI-controlled route planning will optimize sailing conditions, ensuring efficient electricity generation and distribution. Drift's innovative approach has attracted significant investor interest, with GBP 4.65 million funding received from Octopus Ventures and Blue Action Accelerator. The backing from these investors and additional support from the British government through Innovate UK highlight the promising future of Drift's sustainable energy solution.