The software tycoon Bill Gates has commissioned the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht, in a £500m signal of his belief that investment in new clean technology is the best way to cut carbon emissions.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that the retired 64-year-old is behind the construction of a cutting-edge vessel by the Dutch superyacht specialist Feadship.

The custom build is based on blueprints for the 112-metre design "Aqua" publicised last year at the Monaco Yacht Show by the Dutch marine architects Sinot to draw environmentally sensitive billionaires. It said the plans took “inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner”.

Mr Gates, who co-founded Microsoft and is currently ranked as the world’s second-richest man, is a regular superyacht holidaymaker but has not previously owned his own vessel and has preferred to rent during summer trips around the Mediterranean.

His new vessel, which is scheduled to go to sea in 2024, will not measure up to some of the world’s largest pleasure cruisers, such as the 163-metre Eclipse commissioned by Roman Abramovich, the oligarch and owner of Chelsea football club.