On the occasion of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our partner Energy Observer, the world’s first autonomous boat powered by a mix of renewable energy and hydrogen, has returned to Paris for a symbolic stopover of several months, concluding a remarkable seven-year Odyssey around the world. This final chapter also marks the culmination of a fruitful three-year partnership with Qair, an independent renewable energy company committed to accelerating the global energy transition.
Genesis of the Partnership
In 2022, Qair and Energy Observer united under a shared vision: to drive the shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Energy Observer, the first zero-emission vessel to be self-sufficient in energy, had already been navigating the globe since 2017, showcasing innovative energy solutions. Built from a refitted racing catamaran once owned by Mike Birch and Sir Peter Blake, the vessel integrates three renewable energy sources—solar, wind, and hydropower—and stores energy using batteries and hydrogen. The same cutting-edge technologies that are at the heart of Qair’s operations.
The collaboration between the two entities was a natural fit, grounded in a mutual dedication to promoting renewable energy solutions on a global scale. As an official partner of the Odyssey, Qair brought its international expertise in developing responsible, localised energy ecosystems, supporting Energy Observer on its mission to showcase and educate the world about sustainable energy practices.
Stopovers and Events: A Collaborative Journey in Renewable Energy Innovation
Over the course of this partnership, Qair actively participated in numerous key events during Energy Observer’s global journey, enhancing the vessel’s mission to raise awareness and inspire action for energy transition. A travelling educational exhibition followed the ship to many stops, creating opportunities for local communities to learn about renewable energy technologies.
Signature in Seychelles
One of the standout moments in this collaboration came in April 2023, when Qair signed with the Seychelles’ public utility the first-ever Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in the history of the country. The agreement, finalised aboard Energy Observer, marked a significant step in supporting the island nation’s energy transition.
Stopover in Fortaleza, Brazil
In November 2023, Qair hosted a landmark stopover in Fortaleza, Brazil. This event, organised by Qair’s local subsidiary, saw the vessel welcome students, industrial leaders, and government officials. Guests were treated to immersive exhibitions focused on renewable energy and marine environmental studies at Qair’s Experience Dome, powered by an EODev hydrogen generator—the first time such a generator had been used in Brazil.
Arrival in Paris
More recently, after escorting the boat back to her homeport in Saint-Malo in June 2024 to celebrate the successful completion of her round-the-world Odyssey, Qair was very honored to be with Energy Observer on their arrival in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Photo: Energy Observer Productions – Marco Strullu
The Paris Stopover: Celebrating Success and Strengthening Bonds
Energy Observer’s final stop in Paris provided a fitting stage to celebrate the respective achievements of the two partners.
Qair hosted its Group shareholders, backers, and partners at the Energy Observer Village, offering them an exclusive tour of the vessel and a cocktail reception attended by Victorien Erussard, President and Captain of Energy Observer, and his crew. On a separate occasion, Qair’s French subsidiary also took the opportunity to invite its partners and potential collaborators to discover Energy Observer’s ambitious project firsthand.
Qair Group Afterwork
To mark the autumn afterwork at the Group’s nearby headquarters, local Qair teams were given a private tour of the exhibition which traces the history and development of the ship and provides an insight into its energy dynamics.
Celebrating signatures
Following the signing of a partnership agreement with Montenegro’s public utility, Elektroprivede Crne Gore AD Nikšić (EPCG), aimed at advancing renewable energy projects in the region, Qair was honored to welcome an EPCG delegation on board Energy.
Additionally, Qair celebrated the signing of a renewable PPA with Carrefour in Italy by inviting the retailer’s representatives to visit the vessel.
Qair Internal Contest
On a more personal note, Qair project manager Karen Maria Jensdottir from Iceland, winner of an internal competition, was awarded a trip to Paris and received a private tour of the vessel.
The collaboration between Qair and Energy Observer has been more than just a partnership: it’s been a shared human journey, enriched by the encounters between our respective teams across the world. From the first steps of their alliance until today, the two organisations, together and seperately, have made remarkable progress in developing and promoting clean energy solutions.
For more information, visit Energy Observer website.
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