SCIENCE FAIRE DE LA VOILE

INNOVATION DOES NOT OFTEN GO ON A JOURNEY, OR BECOME A MOVEMENT UNTO ITSELF.

When a floating laboratory pulls into port, its cloak of gleaming solar panels, soaring wind towers and twin hulls making it appear to float, it commands attention. And that is as much the point as the experimentation.

Energy Observer is a laboratory for ecological transformation, with an overall mission to push back the limits of zero-emission technologies. Its directives are to accelerate the transition of cutting-edge,resilient,zero-carbon energy systems and raise awareness at the same, and do it all in an unrelentingly hostile environment, on a remarkable and historic seven-year, around the world ocean voyage.

At every major port-of-call, an exhibition village pops-up dockside. EO’s crew of engineers and researchers connects with locals by showcasing their own work alongside that of local innovators, and engaging with those pioneering climate solutions in their own regions. Visitors are also offered a look at major organizations that specialize in hydrogen technology development and environmental protection, like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UNESCO.

Now, six years in, with lots of data, experiences, success stories and identified room for improvement, it’s the optimum time to look back at where it’s been, and consider all that has happened in the world since it set out in spring 2017.

Less than a year prior, climate change was just getting real, global attention with the signing of the Paris Agreement at the UN’s COP21…..