A recent discovery in the Swiss Alps could signal a new age of clean propulsion – not only for the world’s energy markets, but for the superyacht industry too.
Scientists have discovered huge deposits of naturally occurring hydrogen, or white hydrogen in the Swiss Alps. White hydrogen is created naturally underground and releases nothing but water when burned as a fuel, unlike grey or blue hydrogen, which has energy-hungry production processes. It’s clean, plentiful and has the potential to be a game-changer for yachts wanting to lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing range and performance.
What is White Hydrogen?
White hydrogen, or natural or geological hydrogen, is formed by a process named serpentinization. It happens when water comes in contact with iron-rich rocks deep in the Earth’s mantle, forming hydrogen gas without the need for any external energy. The sole byproduct of burning this hydrogen as fuel is water, making white hydrogen an extremely clean form of energy.
How could white hydrogen impact the superyacht industry?
The superyacht sector is looking for more sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. White hydrogen offers an attractive alternative:
- Zero Emissions: Yacht engines that run on a fuel that has zero emissions – with the only byproduct being water
- Energy independence: With commercially viable white hydrogen extraction, superyachts may have access to a new fuel ecosystem, moving away from fossil fuels and limited biofuel supplies
- Quiet, efficient power: Hydrogen fuel cells operate silently and efficiently, enhancing onboard comfort and reducing noise pollution
The Challenges Ahead
While the potential benefits of white hydrogen is clear, there are still challenges ahead, including:
- Extraction Technology: Improving effective mechanisms and sustainable ways to extract white hydrogen is essential
- Infrastructure Development: Developing a distribution and storage infrastructure to ports and marinas globally
- Regulatory Framework: Creating global standards and regulations for the use of white hydrogen in shipping and yachting
What’s Next?
For forward-thinking shipyards, designers and technology suppliers, the time may be now to explore hydrogen-ready systems – or at least to ask the question: What if our next new build were future-fuel capable? Only time will tell if white hydrogen becomes commercially available – and whether the superyacht industry is ready for the shift.
June 2025 – Superyacht Technology Show
