Bill Gates' $645M Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Sets New Standard for Eco-Friendly Luxury

August 17, 2025
Bill Gates' $645M Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Sets New Standard for Eco-Friendly Luxury
  • Set to be showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show, Breakthrough represents a significant achievement in sustainable luxury maritime engineering.

  • Developing this multi-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell involved new regulatory standards and collaboration among Feadship, ABB, and fuel cell experts, influencing future maritime applications like ferries and commercial ships.

  • Bill Gates' superyacht, named Breakthrough, is a 118.8-meter vessel equipped with a groundbreaking 3-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell system, marking a milestone in marine clean energy technology.

  • Built over five years by Dutch shipyard Feadship, the yacht features innovative ecological technology and ultra-luxury amenities designed by RWD.

  • The yacht uses advanced systems such as ABB’s Onboard DC Grid, dual 3.2-megawatt Azipod propulsion units, and sophisticated power management to operate silently and emission-free, with the ability to run on hydrogen for up to a week when anchored.

  • The sale of Breakthrough could inspire future yacht designs by encouraging the adoption of sustainable propulsion systems, signaling a shift toward environmentally conscious luxury travel.

  • The yacht also features a bio-fuel backup engine, offering extended range with 90% lower emissions than traditional engines, setting new environmental standards in luxury yachting.

  • Breakthrough can accommodate up to 30 guests in 15 cabins, with a crew of 43, and includes amenities such as a private hospital, libraries, a cinema, infinity pool, spa, basketball court, and helipad.

  • As the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht, it stores liquid hydrogen at -423°F to operate fuel cells, with excess heat repurposed for onboard heating and pool warming.

  • The yacht’s fuel cell output of around 3,000 kilowatts could power approximately sixty-eight Xanadu homes or about 2,500 average American homes simultaneously, demonstrating its immense energy capacity with zero emissions when using hydrogen.

  • Gates’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond his yacht to his homes, illustrating that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist through advanced technology.

  • Priced at $645 million, Breakthrough epitomizes the fusion of high-end luxury with cutting-edge green technology, making it a symbol of exclusivity for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Summary based on 2 sources


Get a daily email with more Tech stories

More Stories