The Mission M

A world tour testing and highlighting a range of renewable technologies which will aid the transition to a zero carbon future. Starting in 2017, the Energy Observer has spent the last 6 years transiting the world testing and innovating both solar-electric and green hydrogen fuel cell technology. She is the first completely energy-autonomous vessel and can produce her own carbon free green hydrogen from sea water. The testing of this mix of technologies in the extreme marine environment leads to genuine practical non-carbon energy solutions. The onboard team of engineers analyze the performance of the vessel and the individual innovations and technologies. An annual review leads to improvements and developments with the companies and manufacturing partners involved. Perhaps one of the best aspects of this constant global tour is their endeavour to highlight other renewable energy projects in the countries and cities the vessel visits, thereby increasing awareness of the global transition to a low carbon world.

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The Boat B

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Originally designed by Nigel Irens and David Alan-Williams she was  launched in 1982 as Mike Birch’s 'Formule TAG'.  She immediately broke the worlds fastest 24-hour speed record at 512 miles in one day. After a few modifications Sir Peter Blake’s and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s won the Jules Verne Trophy with her as  'ENZA New Zealand' with a record under sail of 74 days, 22 hours, 17 minutes and 22 seconds. In 1998, with Tracy Edward’s all-women team she became the round the world challenger "Royal & Sun Alliance". Now Energy Observer, it seems a perfect use for a legendary multi-hull. 

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The Technology T

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Energy Observer using a mix of emissions free, silent technology to continuously power her. A 130m2 array of different types of solar panels charges a lithium battery bank, which is used to run the ships electrical  systems and power the 2 electrical propulsion motors. The highly efficient motors were designed and built by Phase Automation in France. They are reversible motors, so can be used to produce a charge when the vessel is under sail

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Hydrogen H

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 The fundamental aspect of the Energy Observers global odyssey is the use of green hydrogen as a renewable energy. Hydrogen has an energy density level of almost three times more than diesel or gasoline. It is the most abundant chemical element in the universe and can be produced using the excess renewable energy from the solar panels to power the electrolysis of water. On Energy Observer there are a number of processes that lead up to the production and storage of the hydrogen. The first stage is the desalination of sea water. In stage two, the water is de-ionized. The hydrogen produced through electrolysis is then compressed to 300 bar and stored in carbon fiber tanks. The fuel cell onboard coverts the hydrogen into electricity by reversing the electrolysis process and producing water molecules. She has the most widespread fuel cell technology which is also used in vehicles, the PEM (proton exchange membrane).

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The Big picture P

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The Energy Observer interacts and joins similar projects and initiatives which are looking for ways to accelerate the transition to renewable energies. Similar awareness and technical development projects like Solar Impulse the first solar plane and Planet Solar the first solar powered electric vehicle to circumnavigate the world are examples. Shipping companies are also looking at large scale green hydrogen fuel production onboard ships.  Racing series like FormulaE and on the water E1 series lead to advancement and innovation in the electrification process, again accelerating the advancement to a green carbon green future.

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