Climate Impulse: Bertrand Piccard's Green Hydrogen Aircraft Venture
Key Ideas
  • Bertrand Piccard is embarking on a project to circumnavigate the globe in a green hydrogen aircraft, aiming to show the potential of green technologies for sustainable progress.
  • The Climate Impulse aircraft, with a wingspan of 34 meters and powered by liquid hydrogen fuel cells, is set to fly at 3,000 meters altitude and carry 5.5 tonnes of hydrogen and cargo.
  • The project involves key partners such as Syensqo, Airbus, and Safran to overcome technological challenges and increase the energy performance of the powertrain.
  • While the first tests are scheduled for next year, there are significant technical hurdles to address before green hydrogen aircraft can be widely used in civil aviation by 2030.
In Zug, Switzerland, Bertrand Piccard, known for his Solar Impulse project, is now moving forward with a new venture called Climate Impulse. This project involves circumnavigating the globe in a green hydrogen aircraft in 2028, aiming to showcase the potential of green technologies. The aircraft, developed in collaboration with partners like Syensqo and Airbus, will be powered by liquid hydrogen fuel cells and carry 5.5 tonnes of hydrogen and cargo. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of decarbonizing aviation using green hydrogen. With a wingspan of 34 meters and flying at an altitude of 3,000 meters, the pioneering aircraft addresses challenges in propeller efficiency, fuel cells, and electric motors. Raphaël Dinelli, the co-pilot, highlighted the importance of technological advancements to achieve energy performance and weight reduction in the aircraft. However, there are significant obstacles ahead, including aircraft design, infrastructure, and hydrogen production. The project's innovative approach and collaboration with industry leaders like Airbus indicate a positive outlook, despite the complexities involved in making green hydrogen aircraft a mainstream choice for civil aviation.
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