Energy Observer, the world’s first vessel powered by hydrogen and renewables, has arrived in Athens, the 20th stopover of its global tour.
The voyage of Energy Observer started in 2017 from France, aiming to reach 101 ports in 50 countries within six years, in order to raise awareness on the major themes of ecological transition including renewable energies, biodiversity, mobility and the circular economy.
Considered a technological achievement, the vessel is able to produce its own hydrogen on board from seawater, without greenhouse gas and particles emissions thanks to a mix of renewable energies produced by three different types of photovoltaic panels; two vertical axis wind turbines; one traction kite and two reversible electric motors for hydrogenration.
Energy Observer is also operating as a floating laboratory as its innovative technologies are tested in extreme conditions. “The whole idea is to develop the hydrogen and energy mix system we have on board during our six-year journey,” Energy Observer onboard reporter Amélie Conty said while speaking to Greek reporters on Wednesday.
Energy Observer has been navigating the Mediterranean since March 2018. After Tunisia, Israel and Cyprus, the vessel traveled through the Greek islands, from Crete to Tilos, Samos and Mykonos to shoot its documentary series “Odyssey for the future”, which will be broadcast by French media group Canal+.
The vessel will set sail on June 23, towards the Albanian coastline. After touring the Mediterranean this year, it will travel to Northern Europe in 2019 and Asia – including Japan for the summer Olympics – in 2020.
