Cooperative founded thanks to CoopLiguria Startup

Tweetable description

Hydrogen technology for zero-emission energy production.

Cooperative profile

H2Boat is a system using hydrogen energy to power small boats, especially sailing boats. The cooperative is working on an Energy Pack to be installed on brand-new and existing boats. The Energy pack is made up of three elements: an electrolyzer for converting energy produced by renewable sources to hydrogen gas, a means of storing the hydrogen and a means for converting the hydrogen to electrical energy. It works together with other sources of renewable energy (photovoltaic panels, screw-propellers, wind generators) storing the surplus energy. At the beginning, the product will be applied to watercraft but its use is foreseen to be extended to land vehicles (mobile homes) or backup power units. The cooperative is a Genova University spin-off and is involved in different research projects, business collaborations and training activities on hydrogen technology employment.

Target market

The cooperative’s target market is that of energy production for boats (first sailing boats and then motorboats). At global level, there is a great concern about marine pollution and some measures are taken to prevent the causes of pollution developing eco-friendly energy production systems. The International Marine Organization has established a program to reduce emissions of particulate pollutants and designated special areas needing total protection. Even if the nautical sector can be considered a niche market, the results of the instalment of the Energy Pack on boats would show potential to provide zero-emission, sustainable and scalable supplies for other kinds of engines in other markets.

Founders

The cooperative is made up of seven members: three university professors and four engineers still working in university laboratories.

Contacts

H2Boat Società Cooperativa – Via Giovanni Battista Magnaghi, 3/11 D – 16129 Genova
Website: www.h2boat.it
Email: info@h2boat.it