The installation of the new hydrogen fuel cell generator took place in Lorient just over a week ago and, since then, Gracheva has won the MAP race on June 4.
The race, created to honour the memory of Marie-Agnès Péron, had been organised by the Winches Club and took place in Douarnenez bay, France.
Speaking on her victory and the new collaboration with PowerUP Energy Technologies, Grachevka said, “Through our collaboration with PowerUP, Canopus became the first Mini to use hydrogen to charge batteries.
“This enables us to be at the forefront of innovative technologies and take care of nature by abandoning fossil fuels at this stage.
“I am proud to say that Canopus now consumes exclusively renewable fuel!”
PowerUP Energy Technologies produces hydrogen fuel cell-based electric generators and proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
These can be used in a wide range of applications such as marine, telecommunications, military, construction, hospitals and more.
Dr. Ivar Kruusenberg, Founder and CEO of PowerUP Energy Technologies, said, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with the first-ever Russian woman to have completed the Mini Transat.
“She races on a Proto in the Mini Class which is designed for high-performance racing and we approached Irina last year, however, the pandemic did not allow for things to materialise fast.
“We used this time to develop a customised solution for her that would be powerful yet safe to accompany her during her races.
“Irina has a legacy of trying innovative solutions when it comes to her sailing journey. As she was not satisfied with the power solutions available before, she was clear in what she wanted: a reliable backup source for the solar panels.”
Kruusenberg continued, “We delivered a UP400 generator to her recently in France which will allow her to charge her batteries whenever she likes and do that sustainably.
“Being an inspiration for many, Irina is our ideal customer in the sailing world and we hope our generator supports her in every possible situation at the sea.
“We wish her all the best for her sailing endeavours!”
Read original article here: https://www.h2-view.com/story/powerup-technologies-powers-russian-sailor-to-victory-in-map-race-using-hydrogen/