Bertrand Piccard develops green hydrogen plane for a nine-day world trip

In 2023, Swiss aviation pioneer Bertrand Piccard initiated a bold project known as Climate Impulse, which aims to fly a two-seater aircraft around the globe using green hydrogen as fuel. This innovative approach is a significant shift from his previous Solar Impulse mission that utilized solar energy. The Climate Impulse project, launched in February 2023, involves ambitious plans for a nonstop journey over nine days, traveling approximately 40,000 kilometers (around 25,000 miles) along the Equator. The plane will be designed to operate without mid-air refueling, showcasing the potential for greener travel solutions. The technology behind this project relies on the controlled release of liquid hydrogen, which, when heated, transforms into gas. This concept parallels the method used in steam engines from the 19th century. To successfully realize this ambitious project, Piccard and his team are developing several untested innovations, making the journey a complex challenge. Over recent months, significant progress has been made, including the construction of the cockpit shell and initial components of the wings, signaling that the team is actively working towards the ambitious goal. The potential shift to hydrogen-powered aviation addresses pressing concerns regarding air travel's environmental impact. Currently, aviation accounts for approximately 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making alternative fuels like hydrogen increasingly significant. Experts assert that although hydrogen has been used in aircraft to some extent, previous implementations focused on gaseous forms, setting the Climate Impulse project apart. The environmental effects of using liquid hydrogen remain uncertain, particularly concerning water vapor contrails created at high altitudes. Despite the challenges ahead and the uncertainty of green hydrogen's viability in commercial aviation, the Climate Impulse project has attracted a substantial investment of tens of millions of euros. The initiative has galvanized a growing team of talented individuals dedicated to bringing the concept of hydrogen-powered flight closer to reality. As Piccard aptly noted, by demonstrating the feasibility of this project, he hopes to encourage others in the aviation sector to pursue sustainable technologies. This groundbreaking project reflects not only a commitment to environmental sustainability but also the pioneering spirit that has characterized Piccard's distinguished career in aviation.