Bertrand Piccard Sets Sights On World's First Nonstop Hydrogen Flight From Abu Dhabi
Bertrand Piccard, the Swiss adventurer who made history with his solar-powered flight around the world in 2015-2016, is now embarking on another ambitious journey. This time, his goal is to complete the first-ever nonstop flight around the globe powered by green hydrogen. In an exclusive interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Piccard shared his vision for this pioneering venture, which aims to set off from Abu Dhabi in 2028.
The initiative, named "Climate Impulse," involves a hydrogen-powered aircraft currently under construction in western France. With a timeline set for building until 2025, followed by testing phases in 2026 and 2027, Piccard and his team are gearing up for what could be a monumental step forward in aviation and environmental conservation. The aircraft will utilize a revolutionary propulsion system based on hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for its engines.
Piccard's relationship with Abu Dhabi, particularly with Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, plays a significant role in his choice of the UAE capital as both the starting and finishing point of this groundbreaking journey. His previous collaboration with Masdar during the Solar Impulse-2 (SI2) mission, which saw him and André Borschberg setting eight world records, underscores a lasting partnership focused on advancing clean technology.
The hydrogen-powered flight is not merely a symbolic act but a practical step towards decarbonizing the aviation industry. Piccard emphasized the importance of transitioning from potential to reality in making hydrogen airplanes feasible. His team is also working on developing mobile refueling stations to facilitate the adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft in the future.
For Piccard, this venture goes beyond aviation; it's about demonstrating the economic viability of sustainable solutions across all sectors. By showcasing that environmental protection can go hand-in-hand with profitability, he aims to inspire action and enthusiasm for a more efficient and sustainable world.
As preparations for the Climate Impulse flight progress, Piccard's dedication to fostering positive change remains steadfast. Through this endeavor, he seeks to prove that with innovative technologies and renewable energies, achieving what once seemed impossible is within our grasp.
With inputs from WAM
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