At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, South Korean company K Watercraft showcased an innovative unmanned boat that uses water as fuel. This groundbreaking invention combines three technologies: solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric batteries.

Hydrogen and Solar Power

The boat, named WB-UM2, weighs approximately 50 kilograms and is powered by a 1.5 kW electric motor (equivalent to 2 horsepower). The motor is supplied with electricity through hydrogen fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity.

However, the boat is not directly fueled by hydrogen. Instead, it is supplied with a bottle of pure water. An electrolysis system is then used to separate hydrogen from oxygen, and the system is powered by solar energy.

The boat also contains a battery to ensure it continues to operate in the absence of sunlight, with the battery being charged via solar panels.

The boat can operate for one hour using just half a liter of water. The company aims to use seawater in the future, which would extend its operational period without the need to refuel.

The boat is useful for maritime surveillance operations and can be used in rescue missions. However, the ultimate goal is to build larger ships using this technology, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing harmful emissions.