Italian green energy company NatPower is planning to invest €100m in setting up green hydrogen stations for recreation boats in 25 Italian ports and marinas.
A template for the stations has been designed by UK firm Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). This is intended to be adaptable for particular locations and requirement, and can come with seating and electrical charging points.
The stations will be printed, and will be made from dry-assembled masonry, which will minimise waste and make the stations more easily recyclable.
Filippo Innocenti, ZHA’s director, said: “Built with low-carbon concrete, the structural strength of ZHA’s refuelling stations is generated through geometry rather than increased use of materials.
“Combining the latest innovations in construction techniques with the historic engineering developed throughout the Mediterranean by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, the stations use advanced circular building technologies, reflecting NatPower’s commitment to an ecologically responsible future.”
If all goes well in Italy, NatPower has plans to build 100 stations throughout the Mediterranean across the next six years. These could deliver up to 3,650 tonnes of hydrogen annually, thereby eliminating about 45,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
