DRIFT Energy, a UK startup, is pioneering green energy at sea. The firm uses advanced sailing vessels to produce green hydrogen.
Their recently closed seed funding round raised £4.65 million, led by Octopus Ventures and supported by Blue Action Accelerator.
DRIFT aims to transition the world to clean energy with a fleet of sailing vessels. These ships will harness deep ocean wind to produce green hydrogen, addressing the growing demand for clean hydrogen in sectors like heavy industry and transportation. Green hydrogen, created using renewable energy, offers a lower carbon footprint compared to grey hydrogen produced from natural gas.
With new funding, DRIFT can start building its first green hydrogen producing vessel next year. The company is forging renewable energy partnerships to benefit coastal and island communities globally. Ben Medland, DRIFT’s Founder and CEO, highlighted the potential seen at the UN’s International Conference on Small Island Developing States to support energy transitions for millions living on over 1000 islands.
Octopus Ventures and Blue Action Accelerator are backing DRIFT’s mission. DRIFT is keen to bring its vision of “Oceans of Energy” to life. Mat Munro from Octopus Ventures and George Northcott from Blue Action Accelerator expressed enthusiasm for DRIFT’s potential to innovate and support marine environments and coastal communities.
DRIFT has also secured funding from Innovate UK, bolstering their research and development efforts.
