Climate Impulse Project

The Climate Impulse Project is an innovative initiative aimed at pioneering sustainable aviation solutions through the development of the world’s first hydrogen-powered aircraft capable of completing a non-stop flight around the globe. Spearheaded by Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and engineer Raphaël Dinelli, this ambitious project showcases cutting-edge solar aircraft technology and emphasizes the critical need for decarbonization in aviation, a sector currently responsible for an increasing share of global carbon emissions. Scheduled for its record-setting journey in 2028, the project underscores the potential of green hydrogen as a viable fuel source for long-distance air travel, aimed at fostering an ecological transition within the aviation industry. Construction of the Climate Impulse aircraft has been in progress with notable advancements in aircraft design, focusing on two liquid hydrogen tanks that must be kept at -253°C to maintain their state. The aircraft, featuring a wingspan comparable to that of an Airbus 320, intends to demonstrate a flight lasting approximately nine days, propelled by performance-optimized fuel cells. Collaborative efforts have been emphasized, with participation from key industry leaders like Airbus, Daher, and Syensqo, all contributing crucial technologies and expertise to meet the extraordinary engineering challenges involved. This initiative not only promises to push the boundaries of aviation technology but also aspires to transform public perception towards more sustainable practices by translating scientific advancements into actionable climate solutions.

What was the significant achievement of Solar Impulse in 2015?

In 2015, Solar Impulse made aviation history by completing a journey around the world powered entirely by sunlight. This groundbreaking aircraft demonstrated the potential of sustainable aviation technology through its historic circumnavigation. While Solar Impulse showcased what was possible with solar power, it has now paved the way for Bertrand Piccard's new Climate Impulse project, which aims to circumnavigate the globe in 2028 using green liquid hydrogen technology instead of solar power.

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WION

01:35 - 01:46

What is the Climate Impulse project and how could it impact aviation?

Climate Impulse is Bertrand Piccard's innovative project featuring a two-seater aircraft powered by green liquid hydrogen. The plane aims to circle the globe non-stop by 2028, utilizing supercooled liquid hydrogen as its fuel source. Following Piccard's successful solar-powered world flight in 2015, this new initiative could revolutionize sustainable aviation by demonstrating zero-emission flight technology. The lightweight aircraft represents a significant advancement in clean air travel, potentially transforming the future of aviation by proving the viability of hydrogen as an alternative to conventional aviation fuels.

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WION

00:00 - 00:25

What is Climate Impulse and what are its goals?

Climate Impulse is an innovative project that aims to circle the globe in 2028 using a lightweight two-seater aircraft powered by supercooled liquid hydrogen. Led by aviation pioneer Bertrand Piccard, the project's primary goal is to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy source for aviation. The aircraft is designed to complete its global circumnavigation with zero emissions, potentially revolutionizing sustainable air travel. With support from aerospace industry partners like Airbus, Climate Impulse represents a significant step toward decarbonizing the aviation sector, with test flights scheduled for 2026 before its nine-day non-stop journey around the world in 2028.

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WION

00:11 - 00:23

How does the Climate Impulse aircraft aim to achieve zero-emission flight around the world?

The Climate Impulse aircraft utilizes green hydrogen produced through renewable electricity, which is then liquefied and stored in two large fuselage tanks. This innovative two-seater plane, piloted by Rafael Dinelli and Bertrand Piccard, aims to circumnavigate the globe non-stop over nine days while producing zero emissions. The design features a cockpit between the two massive fuel tanks, allowing sufficient hydrogen storage for the complete journey. By powering flight with green hydrogen rather than conventional fossil fuels, Climate Impulse demonstrates the viability of sustainable aviation technology that could revolutionize the industry's approach to decarbonization.

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01:00 - 01:32

What is the purpose of the Climate Impulse project?

The Climate Impulse project aims beyond just setting a record with a liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft flying around the world. Its primary purpose is to create a demonstrator that can transfer sustainable hydrogen propulsion technology to civil aviation with greater passenger capacity. If successful, Climate Impulse will mark a milestone in sustainable air travel development. Backed by aerospace giant Airbus, the project focuses on advancing hydrogen-based aviation research through a lightweight, highly efficient aircraft capable of harnessing energy from atmospheric turbulence. Despite technical challenges ahead, the scheduled test flight in 2026 will determine whether this technology can truly pave the way for cleaner aviation solutions.

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WION

02:46 - 03:54

What solution does Bertrand Piccard believe will lead to clean aviation?

Bertrand Piccard is convinced that liquid hydrogen will be a key solution for clean aviation in the coming years. While the immediate future involves sustainable alternative fuels—combinations of fossil and non-fossil fuels—to begin decarbonizing the industry, hydrogen represents the path to achieving much cleaner aviation long-term. The aviation sector faces urgent pressure to reduce carbon emissions, and while sustainable alternative fuels offer a transitional solution, Piccard emphasizes that liquid hydrogen technology will ultimately enable a more comprehensive transformation toward truly sustainable air travel.

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02:04 - 02:25

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