World's second-richest man and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has commissioned himself a futuristic superyacht that's powered entirely by liquid hydrogen for Rs 4,600 crore. Gates is a regular superyacht holidaymaker but has not previously owned his own vessel and has preferred to rent during his summer trips.
Why a hydrogen-powered yacht?
Bill Gates last year assured his commitment to devote himself on the rising concern of climate change and said he will put efforts to promote clean energy. His new luxury yacht which is powered by liquid-hydrogen — meaning its only emission is water — proves his commitment to moving towards clean technology hoping others will fall in line too.
The plans of buying the superyacht were unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show last year in December. Notably, this is the first of its kind being powered by liquid hydrogen.
What's inside Gate's superyacht?
The luxury liner is 370ft-long and comprises five decks complete with space for 14 guests, 31 crew members, a gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlour and cascading pool on its rear deck, The Daily Mail reported on Sunday.
Hydrogen fuel works by creating electricity to power a battery and motor by mixing hydrogen and oxygen in specially treated plates, which are combined to form the fuel cell stack.
The fuel cell stacks and batteries have allowed engineers to significantly shrink these components to even fit neatly inside a family car, although they are also commonly used to fuel buses, other larger vehicles and now superyachts, according to Unilad.
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