In addition to hydrogen fuel cells, the Aquon One yacht is equipped with 64 square meters of solar panels on the roof, providing abundant clean energy.
Aquon, a yacht manufacturer focused on sustainability based in Zurich, Switzerland, has launched the emission-free Aquon One catamaran, as reported by Interesting Engineering on April 5. This yacht operates on hydrogen fuel cells and solar energy, featuring luxurious cabins for 8 to 10 passengers.
Emission-free Aquon One yacht. (Photo: Aquon).
Aquon stated that the company combines high-level Swiss engineering with Spanish naval architecture expertise and Italian design to create this new yacht model. On the official website, the Aquon design team describes the Aquon One as a smartly designed catamaran that redefines luxury yachting.
The yacht is equipped with small lithium-ion battery packs that store short-term electricity to power the propulsion system and onboard activities. The 64 m2 of solar panels installed on the roof recharge these battery packs. Excess solar energy is used to convert seawater into hydrogen through desalination. The equipment on the Aquon One compresses hydrogen to a pressure of 300 bar, which is then stored in tanks. This serves as the long-term energy storage source on board.
When energy is needed to operate the two engines and provide additional power for passengers, the fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity. For heating the cabins and supplying hot water, the yacht only emits pure water and heat.
These technologies make the Aquon One an emission-free electric yacht, with a significant range due to its combined use of hydrogen and solar energy. This vessel can operate at sea for up to three days without refueling. It has a maximum speed of 30 km/h and a cruising speed of 15 km/h. Currently, the price of the Aquon One is set at $8.1 million.
