Energy Observer, the first catamaran powered by clean hydrogen energy

Launched in France in 2017, it's a true water laboratory where everything is sustainable. But it's not the only one, even though it's the most famous.

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Energy Observer

Even boats are going green. New technologies are pushing in this direction, as demonstrated by Energy Observer , the catamaran that left France in 2017 and was named the first ambassador for the "sustainable development objectives" by the French Ministry for an ecological and inclusive transition. While it is the most famous example, it is not the only one. There is also, for example, Naval Group's Naviwatt, a zero-emission solar catamaran.

THE GREEN ENERGY OBSERVER CATAMARAN

Energy Observer is an innovative catamaran born from an idea by Victorien Erussard in collaboration with Jérôme Delafosse. The two wanted to create the first self-sufficient vessel, powered by renewable energy. A truly pioneering experiment, it could contribute to changing the boats of the future, redesigning them with a greener perspective. But how does it work?

The electric motor is powered by photovoltaic cells, a wind turbine, and a hydrogen storage system. Solar panels charge the batteries , and an innovative system stores the excess energy as hydrogen . This allows the vessel to meet all its various needs without having to charge additional batteries, which would weigh it down. Inside, it has everything: shower, lounge, photovoltaic panels, touchscreen, and artificial intelligence reigns supreme.

Having departed France in 2017, Energy Observer reached French Guiana this December, where the crew stopped in Kourou to explore the Space Center, its energy architecture, and space missions dedicated to observing and conserving natural ecosystems. But the journey is set to continue.

NAVAL GROUP'S NAVIWATT ELECTRIC CATAMARAN

Naval Group's zero-emission "solar" catamaran Naviwatt , equipped with two 10 kW Torqueedo engines, was also born in the name of environmental sustainability. Where does it get its energy? At the dock, at the lithium-ion battery charging station.

But if there's enough sun, it's the sun that guarantees its autonomy, thanks to the 16 solar panels on the roof. Another example of how the boating industry is turning its gaze in a new, increasingly green direction.

THE MANY USES OF SOLAR ENERGY:

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