[Computer-rendered image of the DRIFT prototype ship. All images courtesy of Drift Energy]
Good to see people in Bath investing in the future, as well as us being able to benefit from the past.
Bath’s MP, Wera Hobhouse, recently paid a visit to a remarkable business – based in the city centre, which is developing revolutionary sailing vessels that harness the power of the ocean to generate renewable energy supplies.
DRIFT Energy’s concept envisions high-performance sailing ships, guided by AI-enabled routing software and equipped with onboard renewable energy systems to produce green hydrogen at sea. Once fully loaded, they return to port to deliver this clean energy where it is needed. This model has potential benefits for reducing UK reliance on imported fossil fuels, increasing domestic green hydrogen production capacity, and opening new manufacturing and maritime innovation opportunities.
Founded in 2021 by Ben Medland, DRIFT are currently developing and testing prototype systems and engaging with investors, policymakers, and maritime partners to move towards commercial deployment.
Described by Ben as “essentially fishing boats for energy”, he told Wera how the concept was born, on a walk with his young son, who noticed that the wind turbines were not turning as there was not enough wind. He realised that if you could take the turbines to a place where they would never stop turning, the volume of energy created could be endless.
And so the idea was born to place turbines on the underside of boats, where they would be able to generate clean, green energy as they went along, being dragged through the waters.
As Ben told Wera: “The world needs more energy, it needs it to be green, and it needs it fast. So our answer to this was to add this new way, a new class of renewable energy, through our ‘net-positive ships’.”
In a 2025 report, CBI Economics estimated that by 2032, DRIFT Energy could deliver substantial economic benefits for the UK. The report states that £192 million in GVA (gross value added) could be generated through operations in South Wales alone, comprising £161 million from DRIFT’s direct investment and £31 million from associated shipyard expansion.
After hearing about the concept, the company’s progress to date and its future roadmap, Wera was able to view prototype models and design components.
The pair went on to discuss the role of green hydrogen in the UK energy system and industrial decarbonisation, as well as the challenges from trying to scale these first-of-a-kind, clean maritime and manufacturing technologies.
DRIFT have faced other challenges too, like all businesses trying to grow: finding the right premises, testing facilities, and investment have all rocked the boat over the last couple of years.
“Local collaboration is key”, says Ben. “Local businesses, universities and skills providers can all come together to help drive economic growth, the development of jobs and skills, and continued research and innovation.
“And we welcome the support Bath and North East Somerset council has shown for emerging innovation clusters, and look forward to this continuing into the future.” green ene
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, and Member of the Energy and Net Zero Select Committee in Parliament, commented:
“Our region is at the heart of exceptional industrial progress. Giants of aerospace, such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce, are major employers in the West Country, and sectors such as nuclear, mining and space are flourishing. And now we can add marine tech to that through Bath’s very own DRIFT Energyand its remarkable innovative technology.
“In an age where we are in a race to save the planet from climate change, the discovery of new green energy sources is like gold dust. DRIFT Energy’s concept is an example of innovation that can have a massive impact in that race, and I am proud that they are driving this progress from the centre of our city.
“We Liberal Democrats will continue to advocate in Parliament for support for innovators like DRIFT Energy, so that governments across the world realise the benefits of clean energy production.”
