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First Dutch fuel cell boat introduced at Frisian Nuon Solar Challenge
During the Frisian Nuon Solar Challenge – a race for solar boats – Ecofys and the Knowledge Center Yacht building will introduce the first Dutch fuel cell boat. This is an electrically powered sloop equipped with fuel cells, using hydrogen as fuel. During the solar race, the sloop will function as a ‘chase’ express boat for the VIPs attending the event. The boat will cover the full distance – 220 kilometres – without refuelling.
Fuel cell boat
The sloop, Hydrogen Xperiance, is developed by Ecofys in collaboration with Ganita Shipyard, the Knowledge Centre of Yacht building, and is subsidized by the Province of Friesland and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. According to Ecofys – one of the initiators of the project – fuel cells can play an important role in stimulating the use of electric boats. Robert van den Hoed of Ecofys: “The sloop will be able to travel for two to three days without refuelling. Besides, a fuel cell boat can be recharged within 15 minutes by switching the hydrogen cylinders, rather than the 4-6 hours recharging needed for traditional electric boats.” Another advantage of the fuel cell boat, compared to traditional craft, is that it’s silent and produces no noxious fumes. The official launch of the Hydrogen Xperiance will take place on 23 June this year.
Future prospects
The expectation is that the Hydrogen Xperiance will lead to broad utilization of fuel cell technology in the transportation sector, and provide a boost to electric boating in general. Ecofys considers the boating sector to be an attractive niche market for fuel cell applications and is active in developing fuel cell demonstrations for a range of boats including super yachts and canal boats.
Ecofys (www.ecofys.com)
Ecofys is a leading company in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency. More than 200 employees in nine countries deliver sustainable energy services and innovations. Ecofys is part of the Econcern group, a European Top 500 growth company, with the mission to ensure ‘a sustainable energy supply for everyone’.
Note for editorial staff:
For more information please contact:
Drs. Jacomina Eijkelboom
Marketing Communications Manager
T: + 31 (0)30 – 280 83 75
E: j.eijkelboom@ecofys.nl
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