It has been announced that the first boat to be powered solely by the sun, wind and self-generated hydrogen will attempt to sail around the world next year.

Energy Observer is currently waiting to have solar panels, wind turbines and electrolysis equipment installed, before setting sail in February.

Designed by a team of naval architects and CEA-Liten - a research institute specialising in renewable energy technologies - at a total cost of €4.2m, the world tour is expected to last for more than six years.

During periods of good weather, the ship’s batteries will be powered by solar and wind energy. Then, in the absence of sun and wind, the stored hydrogen – which is generated by wind turbines and solar powered electrolysis – takes over. As a result, the voyage will not use any carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

Director of CEA-Liten, Florence Lambert, said: “Energy Observer is emblematic of what will be the energy networks of tomorrow, with solutions that could even be used within five years.

“For example, the houses of tomorrow could incorporate a system of hydrogen storage, which is produced during the summer months and then used in the winter.”

At TrakRap, we love to see new renewable technologies being developed, especially when they can be harnessed by others to increase the levels of sustainability in as many industries as possible. We’ll be following Energy Observer’s progress closely…