In the UK, Drift is developing autonomous sailing yachts to generate hydrogen fuel from offshore wind. Prototypes, 17 feet (5 meters) long, were demonstrated in 2022. These catamarans use hydrofoils and underwater turbines to capture energy, converting seawater into hydrogen gas via electrolysis.
Drift's technology uses an algorithm to find optimal wind conditions.
Current prototypes produce a few kilowatts.
New designs target 1.5 megawatts, producing 330,000 pounds (150,000 kilograms) of hydrogen annually.
The first ship will cost $24 million, decreasing to single-digit millions at scale.
Drift aims for cost parity with fossil fuel-derived hydrogen by 2030.
The vessels will operate in international waters, crewed initially, with plans for autonomy. They could also produce green ammonia or methanol, power data centers, or aid ocean exploration.