Technology Trending: Energy sector digital identity app and hydrogen-powered superyacht

Energy sector digital identity app spins off for global use, an intelligent power solution for China’s high energy physics platform and a hydrogen-powered superyacht unveiled are in the week’s technology radar.

Energy sector digital identity app spins off for global use

A digital identity application that was developed by the Belgian TSO Elia Group and Energy Web has been adopted by the OpenWallet Foundation as a new project.

The application, which is based on ‘self-sovereign identity’ technology, was developed to securely transfer identity information between different parties to enable flexibility for the grid.

For this secure and efficient methods are required to safely integrate assets such as heat pumps and electric vehicles into the system and allow them to interact with the grid in a trusted manner.

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Extensive information exchange needs to take place, with data relating to personal details, technical specifications, contracts and charging tariffs being swapped between individuals, assets and companies.

The application can be seamlessly integrated into digital wallets, which are set to become commonplace and making it easily adoptable by a wide range of companies. For example, the European Union aims to provide all citizens with access to a digital ID solution with a personal digital wallet by 2030.

The OpenWallet Foundation, a Linux Foundation project, is aimed at setting best practices for digital wallet technology and driving its global adoption.

With the adoption of the application by the OpenWallet Foundation it is available to become more widely used by companies as they design digital wallets.

John Henderson, Senior Solution Architect at Energy Web, says the collaboration represents a significant step toward revolutionising the digital wallet landscape.

“By officially accepting this project, the OpenWallet Foundation is empowering the future of secure and interoperable digital wallets. Together, we’re advancing technology that will not only benefit the energy sector but also drive innovation beyond its boundaries, setting the stage for a more interconnected and secure digital world.”

An intelligent power solution for China’s high energy physics platform

ABB has reported the delivery and start of commissioning of a complete large scale power monitoring and control solution for the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS) project in Beijing – a first of its kind in China that is set to become a core facility for scientific research at the atomic level in that country and beyond.

The power system includes 138 panels of UniGear ZS1 MV switchgear, 318 panels of MNS3.0 LV switchgear and ABB’s Ability Monitoring and Control ZEE600 platform.

The solution is aimed to provide comprehensive power monitoring, control and data management for 11 distribution rooms in the facility, optimising the reliability of the power supply and the distribution system.

It also should help users in load management and energy efficiency on the demand side, greatly reducing the manpower hours required for daily operation and maintenance.

ABB anticipates completing the commissioning of the power distribution system by the end of 2023, while the facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

James Zhao, senior vice president of ABB China, said the company was proud to provide intelligent power management technology “for China’s cutting-edge large scientific installations. We will integrate our digital and low-carbon technologies into the products and solutions, providing strong, safe and reliable distribution infrastructure to support China as it explores cutting-edge of scientific research.”

Hydrogen-powered superyacht unveiled

The Italian architecture company Mask Architects has unveiled what is claimed the world’s first superyacht with power from onboard produced hydrogen from sea water.

The 85m ONYX H2-BO 85 combines hydrogen production through electrolysis with hydroelectric turbines to provide sustainable power generation for short distance or low speed sailing and anchoring.

The integration of a hydrogen production system fuelled by hydroelectric turbines marks a transformative moment for the yachting industry, the company states.

The hydroelectric turbines are stated to outperform conventional generators in terms of energy efficiency and form part of a clean energy approach that enables the ONYX H2-BO 85 to generate and store hydrogen onboard, eliminate the need for large fuel reserves and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Mask Architects notes that energy is required to power the electrolysis process and recommends integrating a renewable energy source, such as solar panels or wind turbines, into the yacht’s power system to make the process more sustainable.

The company adds that the vessel seamlessly fuses luxury and sustainability with an interior exemplifying modern elegance and featuring bespoke design solutions to cater to the most discerning tastes.

“Renowned interior designers have painstakingly curated every detail, combining sumptuous materials, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable elements to create an ambiance that is both inviting and eco-conscious.”