Hydrogen refueling stations for yachts will appear in Monaco

Energy Boat Challenge in Monaco

From July 1 to July 7, 2024, an interesting regatta called the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge will be held in Monaco. This competition is being held for the eleventh time. As the name suggests, the boats won't just compete in speed. The race will be held under the auspices of the use of alternative power plants for yachts. By alternative, of course, we mean those installations that produce fewer emissions compared to a traditional internal combustion engine.

It is especially noteworthy that yachts can use almost any non-traditional methods of generating energy. These can be solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells, hydroelectric power plants and any other renewable energy sources.

The competition promises to be intense. Among the participants will even be the Prince of Monaco himself, Albert II. In addition to the hereditary monarch, 46 teams from 25 countries will take part in the regatta. 

Hydrogen refueling as the finishing touch

The final stage in preparation for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge was the installation of an autonomous hydrogen refueling pontoon, which will provide the teams with “green” fuel. 

Most recently, on February 21, 2024, this pontoon was inaugurated by the Yacht Club of Monaco and country officials. During the opening ceremony, words were spoken about “the importance of using alternative sources of food” and “the climate emergency in the region and the world.” 

In recent years, Monaco has been actively promoting the ideas of environmentally friendly yachting to the masses. A similar filling station was tested at last year’s Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Since then, the pontoon has undergone numerous improvements and changes.

Features of the new charging station

The pontoon was developed by SBM Offshore. The hydrogen charging station is a platform of just over 20 square meters with solar panels on top of the structure. In addition, another dozen solar panels are located directly on the water near the main block of the station. 

Energy from sunlight is used to generate hydrogen. According to SBM Offshore, the station is capable of producing up to one liter of hydrogen per minute. At the moment, the station is more of a proof of concept, confirming the real functionality of the idea. 

In any case, we are waiting for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to see hydrogen charging in action!

New video on Interparus channel

What will yacht shows be like in the near future? Sasha Goron will try to give a detailed answer to these and many other questions in our new video! Enjoy watching!

Don't forget to rate the content! You can find other interesting articles on the links below or in the "News" section!

05.03.2024