Illuminating the iconic latticed iron edifice of the Eiffel Tower in vibrant hues, the Energy Observer Development (EODev) start-up unveiled its emissions-free electro-hydrogen generator to the world in a choreographed Paris, the showcase was the highlight of the Energy Observer Exhibition in the city, which ran for 10 days from May 20-30, 2021. Powered by EODev's GEH2® generator, the show lit up the tower in a stunning display of light and music, employing an alternative, hydrogen-based source of energy for the first time in over 130 years since the structure's opening in 1889.

The show, featuring spiral patterns and dynamic lighting on the framework of the monumental structure, was produced by the Magnum agency and set to music by Jean-Benoît Dunckel, of the acclaimed French music duo 'Air’. During the display, the GEH2® replaced Paris' power grid, which has served as the primary electricity source for the tower's illumination each night for over a century. Jérémie Lagarrigue, EODev CEO, reflected on the performance's success in a press statement, saying that it brought “the lighting of the Eiffel Tower into a new era of technological and sustainable progress”.

Founded in 2013, the Energy Observer Project is an initiative to devise practical solutions for clean energy and ecological transition. Its flagship hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions nautical vessel, 'Energy Observer’, has served as a mobile laboratory, navigating the Earth's oceans to share its travelling exhibition with the world. The vessel had been undertaking a trip between California and Japan during the time of the Paris exhibition.

EODev (Energy Observer Development), a subsidiary wing founded in 2019, is a product of the information and experience acquired throughout the Energy Observer vessel's travels. Committed to developing sustainable, dependable, and affordable clean energy solutions, EODev set up the revolutionary GEH2® generator at the heart of the Energy Observer Exhibition Village as part of the light show demonstration, conceptualised to present the GEH2’s capabilities to the world.

01 min watch

According to the company, the GEH2's fuel cell is of a similar nature to the one equipped within the Toyota Mirai, specially developed by them in collaboration with the Japanese automobile manufacturer to be installed on the Energy Observer vessel. The innovative generator supplies energy with the aid of a hydrogen fuel cell that produces no CO₂ or particulate emissions, noise, and unwanted smells. Promoted as an ideal alternative energy source during power cuts or events, the GEH2’s applications can even be extended towards isolated sites such as islands or shelters, as well as sensitive, confined, and restricted environments like tunnels, mines, or emissions-free zones.

The primary objective behind the exhibition was to demonstrate the potential of renewable energy systems - particularly green hydrogen - in confronting the threats posed by the global climate emergency. Regarding the future of similar alternative energy-powered shows, Lagarrigue shared, "We expect the most beautiful monuments in France and elsewhere will be illuminated thanks to sustainable energy solutions”. He concluded saying, "Beyond their symbolic significance, these initiatives, such as EODev’s GEH2®, highlight zero-emission solutions that are already operational today,” shedding light on how far we have come in the imperative, arduous struggle to save our planet.