DRIFT Energy has unveiled a pioneering approach to renewable hydrogen production by integrating an electrolyser into autonomous yachts. These specialized vessels are designed to generate hydrogen from seawater using wind power. The start-up has recently secured £4.65 million in seed funding to advance this ground-breaking concept. Here’s how it works: The yachts will be equipped with modern aerofoil sails to capture strong winds in the deep ocean, propelling the vessels forward. Additionally, they will tow an underwater turbine that generates electricity to power the on-board electrolyser. This electrolyser will then split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. The strategy involves deploying a fleet of these autonomous yachts, each equipped with routing algorithms to optimize their travel based on weather conditions. Once the yachts’ hydrogen tanks are full, they will return to port to offload the hydrogen. This approach aims to create a sustainable and efficient method for producing green hydrogen, leveraging ocean winds and seawater in a novel way.