The British design studio Zaha Hadid Architects is leading the most ambitious project of the moment in terms of renewable energy. One hundred refueling stations for recreational boats will come into operation in 25 Italian ports in 2030. And as we are already accustomed to, their design is very particular, nothing ordinary. Latest generation technology, exquisite design and, of course, respect for the environment: NatPower H bunkering stations are the future of Mediterranean ports.
The ZHA studio exceeds, once again, the expectations generated by its buildings with this impressive infrastructure, bringing luxury and art to something as basic as a service station.
Each NatPower H refueling station will have an area of around 50 square meters and will supply more than 36 tons of green hydrogen per year. Its size will adapt to the needs of each port thanks to the versatility offered by its modular assembly without assembly.
Each independent module made up of eight curved modules will be obtained from 3D printing of concrete blocks in layers, which will reduce the resources required for its construction by up to half. The director of Zaha Hadid Architects, Filippo Innocenti, explained that this is possible thanks to the geometric composition of the structure, which allows greater resistance than using, for example, cement to join the pieces.
The materials that will be used are completely recyclable, so waste from their manufacturing is minimized. The shape, the studio explains, is inspired by marine fauna and flora, those truly affected by the use of non-renewable fuels in the nautical industry.
Once operational, it is estimated that they will stop emitting around 45,000 tons of greenhouse gases and distribute up to 3,650 tons of green hydrogen each year.
The objective is to “create a network of sustainable energy centers and establish ideal conditions to facilitate the development and continued use of hydrogen-powered vessels,” says NatPower H. In marine protected areas, sailing with diesel engines is already prohibited, but The lack of infrastructure that promotes the use of renewable energy makes the change towards green energy difficult.
Founded by architect Zaha Hadid in 1979, the firm has 950 projects in more than 50 countries and countless awards and recognitions; not only for the beauty of its designs, but also for its commitment to environmentalism and respect for the natural environment of its infrastructures.
The main investor, NatPower, is a company specialized in the development of new clean energy resources. At only four years old, they are world pioneers in the field and have projects in development in seven European countries. Their work focuses on three renewable energy sources: solar energy, wind energy and green hydrogen. The latter, which is in charge of its subsidiary NatPower H, is what will give meaning to the service stations designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
