A new green hydrogen concept deploys subsurface turbines and fleets of high tech sailboats to run on-board water electrolysis systems with wind power (cropped, courtesy of DRIFT Energy).
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The UK startup DRIFT Energy really wasn’t kidding when they introduced the idea of deploying the wind energy captured by sailboats to run onboard electrolysis systems, with the aim of producing green hydrogen at sea. The concept passed muster with the certification organization RINA earlier this year, and DRIFT has just engaged the firm Commenda Capital Partners to support a 50-vessel program — or more, if all goes according to plan.
The DRIFT Green Hydrogen Plan
DRIFT first sailed across the CleanTechnica radar back in 2024, when the company announced a a £4.65 million round of seed funding for its unique combination of high tech sailing technology with a footprint in the global green hydrogen industry. Taking the lead was the UK venture capital firm Octopus Ventures, a branch of the hyperactive UK startup Octopus Energy through its Octopus Investments branch.
