The Race For Water Odyssey boat, powered by renewable energies, made a one-month stopover in French Polynesia. It is now heading for Samoa Island. As at each stage, the crew met with the inhabitants to raise their awareness of ocean conservation, plastic waste recycling and energy transition.
The objective of the Race for Water Odyssey mission is to alert and act to prevent plastic waste from reaching watercourses and oceans. Thanks to its local partners, the Race For Water Foundation is developing social and economic models that value plastic waste to encourage people to collect it.
At each stopover, the Race For Water team deploys programs in 3 parts: learn, share & act. These programmes are based on workshops with scientists, companies and associations, but also on meetings with students, public figures and various local actors. The goal is to raise awareness and have an impact on behaviour in the long term.
Race for Water, to preserve oceans and promote energy transition
In addition to its activities, the Race for Water odyssey is an inspirational ambassador for the energy transition. Indeed, the Race For Water boat is powered by solar energy, wind energy and hydrogen, without damaging the environment. During this stopover, nearly 500 students were able to board the boat to discover how it works, realizing that it is possible to travel with clean energy.
Plastic Omnium, technologic sponsor of the Race For Water Odyssey
Official sponsor of the Race for Water odyssey, Plastic Omnium provides the fuel cell and hydrogen tanks. Hydrogen is produced on board using a seawater desalination process. It is then stored in 25 storage systems that can contain up to 200 kg of this gas, which emits no CO². Hydrogen can produce enough electricity to propel the ship for 6 days in autonomy. On land and at sea, this hydrogen technology, which is in the process of being approved, is mature, reliable and sustainable.
To follow the Race For Water Odyssey, visit the expedition’s website.
Credits : Julien Girardot / Race for Water
