Energy Class: 17 teams selected
he annual meeting for alternative energy sources once again descends on Monaco 3-8 July for the three emblematic categories of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge: Solar Class, Open Class and Energy Class, the latter having closed registrations. Newcomers, some unusual projects and new initiatives will be putting on a show for this 10th edition with plenty of surprises in store for contestants and the public alike. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and support of Credit Suisse, BMW, SBM Offshore and shipyard Oceanco, the event is under the aegis of Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting.
Pre Registration for the Solar & Energy Class are now Open!
The teams willing to take part in the 2023 Challenge will be following a registration process which will include the review and validation of their proposed boat by their respective technical committee. Once the projects are validated the teams will be officially announced to the Public. The Energy Class Teams will be unveiled on January 15th while the Solar Class Team will be unveiled in March.
10th Anniversary edition – The Notice of Challenge is now available online
Presentation of the updated rules of participation and program for the 10th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, under the aegis of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s collective umbrella brand, Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting. The event brings together universities and industry to discuss sustainability in yachting and alternative propulsion systems.
Hydrogen: opening up a raft of possibilities
Third day of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge saw endurance events and speed records providing a spectacle at sea, while ashore a panel of experts gathered for the 3rd Monaco Hydrogen Working Group Round Table to discuss ‘Unlocking hydrogen barriers in the maritime sector: port regulations & economic viability of projects’. It was organised with Monaco’s Energy Transition Mission, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Yacht Club de Monaco.
Today: 9th edition kicks off
Today, the Village and Paddocks are open at the 9th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, the big meeting of alternative power sources, perpetuating a tradition in the Principality which in 1904 was at the cutting edge of boat propulsion innovation. Professionals, exhibitors and young engineers are all here again in Monaco set to demonstrate, present and test their latest innovations to an audience of experts and the curious, including Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy, here to support his nation’s team taking part for the first time at an international motorboating event, and explorer Mike Horn.
Goal: power sustainable navigation
Key to our economy and the planet’s lungs, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth and produces 50% of its oxygen. Facts that make us realise the urgent need to protect it. All year round, Monaco Energy Boat Challenge contestants and the yachting industry work together to re-design the face of the industry to help achieve this. It is by exploiting all avenues of maritime innovation that a new chapter will be written in the luxury yacht sector.
Technology applied on all levels
This week is also a chance to see other new technologies in action, for example the flexible solar fabric (Solar Cloth), recently acquired by YCM as part of its sustainability approach to optimise energy usage linked to nautical events. Placed on a battery pack, the system produces electricity that is fed back into the YCM grid, like that generated by floating solar panels installed in a partnership with gas and electricity company, SMEG. Meanwhile, a pontoon producing green hydrogen from renewable energy sources will be moored in the YCM Marina thanks to SBM Offshore whose SBM E-Racing Team will be refuelling their boat from this facility. Still on hydrogen, EODev will demonstrate the 100kVA electro-hydrogen zero emission GEH2 generator.
Debates led by experts
Friday 8th July is the date for the 3rd Monaco Hydrogen Working Group Round Table, this year entitled ‘Unlocking hydrogen barriers in the maritime sector: port regulations & economic viability of projects’. Organised in partnership with Monaco’s Energy Transition Mission and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, it’s an opportunity for Monegasque, French and international government players and institutions, together with hydrogen developers, to take stock of progress and discuss regulation of hydrogen projects in the maritime sector (by invitation).
Paddocks and exhibitors village: progress explained and innovations in action
The 4th Monaco Hydrogen Group Round Table took place on Friday 7th July during the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Energy Transition Mission. The entire ecosystem – from public authorities and classification bodies to generator developers and engine manufacturers, naval architects and shipyards – came together with one objective to ensure hydrogen plays its rightful role in decarbonising the marine sector, whatever the solutions adopted, which are many!
Job forum : in the search for young talent
As part of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ umbrella to position the Principality as a centre of excellence in this industry, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge organisers have been running a Job Forum since 2019. It is proving once and for all how the yachting industry generates jobs. Since the first year, around 20 young people have either had an internship or employment at companies in the sector.