A total of 25 Italian marinas and ports have been enlisted to join a large hydrogen refuelling infrastructure project, set to commence by the summer of 2024.

The project, led by renewable energy development firm NatPower H, part of the NatPower group, aims for a total of 100 fuel stations by 2030. NatPower H has partnered with Zaha Hadid Architects to provide ‘sustainable designs’ for the fuel stations.

NatPower estimated the project, set to see its first station installed by the summer of 2024, to be worth €100m. The firm says it plans to export the model to other areas beyond the Mediterranean Sea once rolled out in Italy.

“…We decided to create NatPower H – the first global operator for the production, storage and distribution of green hydrogen – to build the world’s first hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for recreational boating,” says Fabrizio Zago, group CEO of NatPower. “We believe hydrogen to be one of the most efficient solutions capable of driving the energy transition of the entire recreational boating and yachting industry. Specifically, the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier through fuel cells and electric motors is proving to be one of the most promising options, offering excellent performance while respecting the environment.”

Andrea Minerdo, CEO of NatPower H, adds: “The Italian shipbuilding industry ranks first in the world in terms of the number of boats built and our aim is to facilitate the energy transition of this crucial market, promoting the use of hydrogen-powered yachts and boats with no direct Co2 emissions.

“Although the project has only just been launched, we already have a pipeline of 25 agreements with Italian marinas and ports, allowing us to start developing a global network of widespread hydrogen fuel stations.”

Zaha Hadid Architects says the new stations will be sympathetic to the heritage of the surrounding area and use cutting-edge techniques in robotic material placement. The firm says its stations will be fully recyclable as non-reinforced, dry-assembled masonry, eliminating the need for carpentry during construction.

“ZHA’s Hydrogen Refuel boating stations will be built with unreinforced low-energy digital concrete,” says Filippo Innocenti, director of Zaha Hadid Architects. “With structural strength arising from geometry rather than engineered materials, we found a connection between the established past of ancient construction techniques and advanced sustainable, circular technologies.”

NatPower H is the official technical sponsor of Bluegame in the America’s Cup 2024 and has signed an agreement for the design and construction of hydrogen-powered chase boats for two of the six teams participating in the 37th America’s Cup.

NatPower H will support both the New York Club American Magic (US) and the Orient Express (FR) teams for the supply of green hydrogen and the implementation of refuelling procedures for the two chase boats during testing and preparation for the competition.

NatPower H says the partnership is part of a broader program involving talks by NatPower H with key players in the international boating industry, including Baglietto shipyards, demonstrating how the widespread distribution of hydrogen to the growing sustainable yachting market, is today effectively possible.

The project is also being developed in collaboration with Baglietto, BluEnergy Revolution, Bluegame, Fichtner, Linde, Studio Maresca, S.i.g.e., Tecma Solutions and Zaha Hadid Architects.

Many marine firms are exploring green hydrogen, which has the potential to be a revolutionary fuel in coming decades:

Japanese engine manufacturer Yanmar Power Technology is developing a hydrogen-powered four-stroke high-speed marine engine for coastal vessels in Japan.

Yamaha Motor will also unveil a prototype hydrogen-powered outboard motor at the Miami International Boat Show 2024 next month

And, in December 2023, yacht manufacturer Gulf Craft announced the exploration of hydrogen technology for its superyacht fleet.

Main image courtesy of NatPower H.

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