Maritime History Meets Green Technology on the Hudson: following Fulton with fuel cells

The New Clermont Project is a celebration of alternative energy and New York State history.

A group of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students will sail a boat powered by hydrogen fuel cells, along the Hudson River, from New York City to Albany, retracing the famous voyage of the world’s first steamboat, the Clermont.

Just as Clermont captain Robert Fulton sought to prove the feasibility of steam power to the world, the New Clermont and its crew aim to prove the viability of green, pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells as a power source. Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water and produce no harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants.

Robert Fulton forever changed the face of transportation in the early days of the 19th century when he sailed the world’s first steam powered ship, the Clermont, up the Hudson River from New York City to Albany.

The historic journey proved that steam power was both a viable and economical means of moving goods and people across waterways. Fulton and the Clermont’s 160-mile trip ushered in a new era of transportation and commerce.

The New Clermont Project was launched in early 2009 by a dedicated group of students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Leadership of the New Clermont Project is comprised of doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students with expertise ranging from fuel cells and materials science to management and marketing. Group members will fit the New Clermont with a unique engine modified to accept power from hydrogen fuel cells.

The New Clermont Project aims to celebrate and coincide with the bicentennial anniversary of Fulton’s trip. 2009 is also the quadricentennials of the voyage of Henry Hudson, who sailed up the river that now bears his name.

On Mon., Sept. 21, the New Clermont will set sail and retrace Fulton’s famous voyage from New York to Albany. We will launch from pier 84 in Manhattan on Monday morning, Sept. 21, and we will end our voyage in RPI's hometown of Troy.