Moscow (TDI): Russia has decided to test its first hydrogen-powered vessel, named Ecobalt, and it will undergo sea trials this month, according to local media.
Citing a senior official of the Krylov State Research Center (KSRC), Xinhua news agency reported that the vessel was designed as a 12-passenger recreational boat and equipped with an electrochemical generator powered by hydrogen fuel.
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“This will be Russia’s first vessel with a domestically-produced electrochemical hydrogen generator, representing a fully-import-substituted technology,” RIA Novosti quoted quoted an official as saying.
As a leading leading developer of ship designs, materials, and technologies for the Russian Navy, the KSRC is fronting the project.
The vessel was reportedly built at the Gorky Zelenodolsk Shipyard by Ak Bars, based on the design by the KSRC’s Baltsudoproekt Central Design Bureau.
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It is said that the vessel is a prototype for refining hydrogen-based technology. It is equipped with developing a universal power module using fuel cells.
Besides use for defense purpose, hydrogen technology is considered as an important step toward de-carbonization.
Studies reveal integrating hydrogen-based technology into the national economy will open up extra avenues for the Russian Federation as far as high-tech hydrogen industry and related areas are concerned.
According to a research study, significant experience has been accumulated in the Russian Federation in the field of creating and implementing technologies for industrial production of hydrogen.
