DRIFT Energy partners Enapter to develop tech for offshore hydrogen production
Bath-based DRIFT Energy, a pioneer in ocean-based renewable energy, has signed a collaboration agreement with Enapter to adapt the design of its Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser technology for deployment at sea.
The agreement was formalised this month during a visit by DRIFT’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Medland, to Enapter’s production facility in Pisa, Italy.
The partnership will accelerate development of the energy storage element of DRIFT’s technology ecosystem, paving the way for the production of over 30 energy ships currently on the company’s order book. Additionally, the technology will be available for other marine-based applications, including offshore wind, where the partners have identified strong potential for a mid-sized electrolyser unit to produce green hydrogen offshore.
Ben Medland, Chief Executive Officer of DRIFT Energy, said, “This project sees two companies working together to develop technology that will support decarbonisation of the maritime and offshore industries. With marinised electrolyser technology, we can drive forward the production of zero-emission fuel at sea using our unique energy harvesting ships. It’s another significant step towards our vision of net positive ships, and I am very excited to see this technology come to market.”
Enapter is headquartered in Germany, with significant operations and a production facility in Pisa, Italy, where the main body of development work for this project will take place.
The company is a market leader in commercialised AEM Electrolysers and is at the forefront of research and development for AEM electrolysis, a type of water electrolysis technology used to produce green hydrogen. Marinisation involves adapting the materials and components of the electrolyser unit for use in the challenging marine environment. The design of Enapter’s AEM electrolyser will be tailored to withstand vessel motions and delivered in a form factor suitable for ship installation.
Dr. Jürgen Laakmann, Chief Executive Officer of Enapter, said, “We are proud that DRIFT Energy has selected our AEM electrolyzer technology for its innovative energy-harvesting sailing vessels. After evaluating available options, DRIFT chose our modular AEM platform, reflecting the robustness and scalability of our system architecture. We truly appreciate DRIFT’s confidence in Enapter, and we look forward to working closely with their team as they bring this exciting offshore concept towards deployment.”
DRIFT chose Enapter for its electrolyser stacks’ robust design, which incorporates in-built redundancy essential for demanding offshore applications. The two companies are collaborating with classification societies to meet marine certification requirements and anticipate that the first unit suitable for maritime deployment will be ready in 2027.
Pictured above: (left to right) Jürgen Laakmann, Chief Executive Officer, Enapter with Ben Medland, Chief Executive Officer, DRIFT Energy
