World’s 1st hydrogen-powered plane to attempt 9-day nonstop global flight

A team in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, led by Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard, is building a hydrogen-powered aircraft called Climate Impulse.

The plane, named Climate Impulse, is designed to fly non-stop around the equator in just nine days, powered solely by green hydrogen.

Their ambitious goal is to be the first to circumnavigate the globe using this hydrogen-powered aircraft, with a target flight date set for 2028. Testing is scheduled to commence in 2026.

Notably, Piccard is renowned for his pioneering flights around the world in a balloon and a solar-powered plane called Solar Impulse. However, he asserts that solar-powered planes are “not practical for commercial aviation.”

He explained that if one had bigger planes, they would need bigger batteries, and a part of their energy would be wasted carrying the heavy batteries.

“So that’s the moment where it’s more efficient to go on hydrogen,” emphasized Piccard.

Climate action and unique design

The project is described as a climate action adventure aiming to restore confidence in technological solutions for the common good. It aims to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for aviation.

“A lot of people say that you cannot decarbonize aviation. Climate Impulse, that’s my call against defeatism, against skepticism, against all the people who say there are no solutions,” Piccard stated in an interview with CNBC Tech: The Edge .

The Climate Impulse showcases unique technical features to achieve its ambitious goal. The concept art for Climate Impulse presents a striking departure from the familiar silhouette of conventional aircraft.

“This plane will basically be built around the hydrogen tanks,” highlighted Piccard.

The aircraft ‘s distinct design includes a small central pod for the pilots, flanked by two large liquid-hydrogen tanks. A single, thin wing connects these components. Each tank has a front-mounted propeller and a tail, aiding propulsion and stability.

Technical challenges in construction

However, the major hurdle is maintaining liquid hydrogen at an extremely low temperature , close to absolute zero, during the nine-day flight.

“The major technological challenge is to build an aircraft around two tanks of liquid hydrogen maintained at -253°C, powering electric motors via fuel cells,” explained Raphaël Dinelli, who is supervising the design and construction of Climate Impulse.

For this, the team has been working on creating “revolutionary” thermal tanks that can maintain the fuel’s state during the entire flight.

The construction of the Climate Impulse relies heavily on advanced materials and technologies. For this, the project has partnered with science company Syensqo to develop these cutting-edge systems.

“We are thrilled to be part of this ultimate flight, a non-stop, zero emission, around the world (journey) fueled by green hydrogen,” expressed Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri.

Boost to greener aviation

The Climate Impulse aircraft is expected to take two years to get completed. This follows two years of intensive research, development, and design by a team supported by Airbus and Capgemini.

Despite the challenges, the Climate Impulse team is hopeful that everything will work out as per their plans and schedule.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, Climate Impulse represents a bold step towards a greener future for aviation.

“Protection of the environment would become a reality only if it was perceived as economically viable and requiring no financial or behavioral sacrifices,” concluded Piccard.