YC Synergy to power all-electric yachts with fuel cell technology

Press release [Friday 23 May 2014]

Specialized in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems for real world application, YC Synergy Co., Ltd. unveiled its first fuel cell power solution designed for passenger boat applications at the Taiwan International Boat Show. At the event, the company offered free rides on Asia's first zero-emission, eco-friendly yacht, winning warm reception by visitors and boating enthusiasts.

Clean power enters new era with fuel cell technology

YC Synergy was founded in 2012, and the team has many years of experience in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Since its inception, the company has closely engaged in technological exchange and cooperation with boat builders, eventually leading to the development of a fuel cell system for electric boats. During the past few years, amid a backdrop of government initiatives to encourage the use of fuel cell vehicles in Japan, the U.S. and parts of Europe, Hyundai rolled out hydrogen-powered cars in North America and Europe while Toyota and Honda announced plans to start mass production of fuel cell vehicles in 2015. The increasingly mature fuel cell technology and applications then prompted YC Synergy to decide to put its technology to work in motor vehicles.

Mark Huang, General Manager of YC Synergy, said: "Since 2012, we have been building relationships with yacht makers with an aim to seize the critical position in this industry's supply chain and to educate the market about the benefits that fuel cells offer. This year, with the launch of our first fuel cell system developed for electric boats, we are all set and ready to come to this promising application."

According to a research of SBI Energy, the fuel cell market grew from US$420 million in 2007 to US$775 million in 2012, and the market is expected to grow rapidly to reach US$4.2 billion by 2017.

Given an increasingly crowded market, YC Synergy has identified and developed a market niche by focusing on fuel cells for use in yachts, an industry that Taiwan is competitively positioned for internationally.

A competitive differentiator created for yacht makers

For an electric boat, the power and propulsion system must deliver both instant power and sustainable cruise speed for long runtime. YC Synergy's fuel cell system solution for electric boats combines its proprietary fuel cell technology with a variety of battery and boat motor products, with all components seamlessly integrated to meet the propulsion and energy management needs of electric boats.

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YC Synergy to power all-electric yachts with fuel cell technology