By the end of the first quarter, the experimental boat Energy Observer will be launched in Saint-Malo, to test its equipment for electric propulsion. Enza New Zealand, the catamaran with which Sir Peter Blake won the Jules Verne Trophy in 1994, will experience a new life. First test before embarking on an ambitious world tour of 101 stops in six years, which will start in 2017. Renamed Energy Observer and extended to 31 meters, the catamaran was deeply modified to have a zero carbon footprint and not emit a single fine particle. Designed in partnership with a naval architect team and the CEA-LITEN of Grenoble, France, this experimental vessel is going to be the first with autonomous means of producing hydrogen on board and without emitting greenhouse gas emissions using renewable energies. The boat will produce and store hydrogen using seawater thanks to an energy mix involving: 3 types of solar panels spreading over a surface of 130 square meters, 2 vertical axis wind turbines, 1 traction kite and 2 reversible electric motors of hydrogenation. Victorien Erussard, offshore racer and merchant naval officer will lead the expedition along with Jérôme Delafosse, professional diver and producer of wildlife documentaries. During the six-year expedition, scheduled from 2017 to 2022, Energy Observer, the Solar Impulse of the seas, will visit 50 countries and 101 ports of call including: historical ports, wildlife sanctuaries, natural reserves, endangered ecosystems and international events. (Source and Image: Energy Observer)