A UK startup, Drift, is on a mission to redefine green hydrogen production by combining artificial intelligence and wind energy.
With recent seed funding amounting to £4.65 million (€5.4 million), Drift aims to advance its fleet of AI-powered sailboats which promise to significantly impact the renewable energy space by generating clean hydrogen while out at sea.
Drift’s approach integrates modern technology with traditional sailing. Each 58-meter sailboat is fitted with underwater turbines linked to onboard electrolyzers, allowing them to produce green hydrogen as they travel. With a power output ranging from 1 to 2 MW, these vessels are projected to produce over 140 tonnes of hydrogen annually. The hydrogen is stored in 40-foot containers, facilitating easy transport to other vessels or to land-based facilities, which enhances distribution versatility.
Central to Drift’s technology is a sophisticated AI system that optimizes routes and maximizes production efficiency. A unique ship routing algorithm helps the sailboats locate favorable weather, maintain optimal positions, and return to port when hydrogen tanks are full. A digital twin simulating thousands of journeys aids in refining the AI’s decision-making. This software forecasts wind patterns to optimize speed and productivity, allowing the vessels to achieve speeds up to 25 knots (approximately 46.3 km/h).
Real-world testing has yielded promising results for Drift. In July 2022, their prototype exceeded expectations by producing six liters of green hydrogen in two hours off the coast of Brightlingsea, England. This success has encouraged plans to upgrade the vessels with cameras and radar for better navigation and safety. Drift’s ambitious timeline includes the start of ship construction by 2025, marking a crucial step toward a network of sea-based hydrogen production.
