Energy Observer is the world's first hydrogen ship. This boat is autonomous in energy and without greenhouse gas emissions and is powered by renewable energies and hydrogen, thanks to the energy mix. This means that it combines several energy sources: 3 different types of photovoltaic panels spread over 130 m2 of surface, 2 vertical axis wind turbines, 1 traction kite and 2 reversible electric motors for hydrogeneration.
A boat of legend
Built in Canada in 1983 by the naval architect Nigel Irens, under the supervision of navigator Mike Birch, it is the maxi-catamaran which has marked the evolution of multihulls in a decisive way. Known as the TAG Formula, for"Advanced Technology", it was the first yacht to cross the symbolic 500 mile mark in 24 hours in 1984. He then won Monaco - New York in 1985 and the Jules Verne Trophy in 1994.
Originally 24.38 metres long, it has been lengthened four times and is now 30.5 metres long and 12.80 metres wide. After an outstanding competitive career under the names of Formula TAG, Tag Heuer, Enza New Zealand, Royal & SunAlliance, Team Legato, or Daedalus, he is now preparing to be reborn under that of Energy Observer, to open a new way, that of autonomous navigation with hydrogen.
"Energy Observer is a two-way conversion: to recycle a light and reliable racing catamaran, a world record holder and thus allow investment in research and development, rather than in composites" explains Victorien Errusard.
A top secret construction
This large catamaran is a real floating laboratory promoting clean energies. It was built in Saint-Malo and will be launched in January 2017. The first construction phase was carried out in complete secrecy and the boat has now moved to a higher tent for the final phase of the works. Its new site will allow the installation of the Energy Observer cockpit and wind turbines as well as the reception of the various energy equipment and in particular those developed with the CEA-Liten (Innovation Laboratory for New Energy Technologies and Nanomaterials).
Since 2015, a team of 30 people made up of architects, designers and engineers spread over Saint-Malo, Paris, Grenoble and Chambéry, has been working since 2015 on the reconditioning of this catamaran over 30 m long and 12.80 m wide, formerly record-breaking around the world on the Jules Verne Trophy. All that remains now is to install its energy equipment.
Becoming the hydrogen ambassador around the world
Hydrogen is a clean energy and undoubtedly that of the future. It is also at the heart of the Energy Observer project, whose objective is to become its ambassador throughout the world. Indeed, if the project succeeds in demonstrating the efficiency and performance of the complete hydrogen chain in a hostile marine environment, this will validate, a fortiori, its application in terrestrial environments, and allow its development through nomadic or sedentary stations.
An experimental world tour
Energy Observer will be launched next winter, for a test phase at sea before the big departure from Saint-Malo in spring for a first stopover in Paris where the boat will be officially christened.
Sponsored by Nicolas Hulot and Florence Lambert, director of CEA-LITEN, this experimental ship will leave Paris next spring for a 6-year round-the-world tour to provide solutions for the energy transition. 6 years, 50 countries, 101 ports of call and challenges to test and optimise this technology, but also to find solutions for sustainable development wherever they are and share them.
These expeditions planned between 2017 and 2022 will include numerous stopovers: maritime capitals, historic ports, nature reserves, threatened ecosystems and major international events. From the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, via the Americas, Asia and Oceania, the adventure will be shared in 50 countries by personalities from the scientific, cultural and media worlds. The programme includes the assessment of embedded technologies, support for concrete solutions accompanying the energy transition, raising awareness among the general public, local authorities and businesses.
This odyssey - retransmitted in images and innovative multimedia content - will be embodied by Victorien Erussard, offshore runner and merchant marine officer, and Jérôme Delafosse, explorer and documentary filmmaker (Canal +). With them, a team of passionate and committed men and women. About fifteen companies and institutions have allowed this wonderful adventure to begin, notably the official partners AccorHotels and Thélem assurances. Unesco is an institutional partner of the Energy Observer project.
UNESCO, a leading institutional partner
In order to successfully carry out its mission of promoting renewable energies and raising awareness around the challenges of the energy transition, Energy Observer will be supported by UNESCO. Throughout its 6-year world tour, Energy Observer will be able to count on the support of the institution and its representatives in several fields (promotion of renewable energies, scientific collaboration, dissemination of educational content...).
In search of partners
About fifteen companies and institutions, notably the AccorHotels and Thélem assurances groups, as well as Unesco, have helped to launch the Energy Observer project. However, the team continues to actively seek financial partners in a shared spirit of innovation, social and environmental responsibility, to accompany them in this incredible odyssey.
