Press Corner

A year ago, Climate Impulse existed in drawings within the minds of explorers Bertrand Piccard and Raphaël Dinelli. 

With the cockpit complete and wings under construction, the airplane is progressively coming to life. Climate Impulse is now focused on meticulous daily planning and execution, working closely with its main technological partner Syensqo, whose innovation and expertise in advanced technologies are pivotal to optimise the chances of success.

As the airplane takes shape, the vision behind Climate Impulse has been in this first year advanced on international stages such as New York Climate Week, COP29 in Baku, and the Davos World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. This vision is one of a clean, efficient world where innovation drives sustainability— where the economy thrives on clean energy and embraces resource-efficient practices. In line with this vision, Climate Impulse tackles the formidable challenge of reducing the aviation sector's carbon footprint, long considered "impossible" to decarbonize, while extending its impact beyond the mobility industry.’

"One year after the launch of the Climate Impulse project, we can already celebrate the incredible achievements of a team of pioneers united by a shared passion and vision. What began as an ambitious concept is now taking shape, overcoming countless technological challenges along the way. Climate Impulse is on its way to become an environmental flagship, amplifying our message to the world. A nine-day, non-stop journey around the globe in a hydrogen-powered airplane will capture global attention. This should serve as a powerful demonstration that efficient solutions are already within reach. Our mission is to inspire their adoption, proving that the ecological transition is an extraordinary opportunity to grasp,” declares Dr Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of Climate Impulse.

“With Climate Impulse, we want to demonstrate that it is possible to decarbonise aviation by using green hydrogen. We will have to master the safe storage and use of liquid hydrogen to power Climate Impulse over a long period: more than eight days. We will be increasing the energy performance of the drivetrain by removing technological barriers to the efficiency of the propellers, fuel cells and electric motors and reducing the weight of the tanks. And we are proud to be working with our main technological partner Syensqo and technological advisers such as  Airbus, Ariane Groupe, Safran, Duc Hélices, EKPO, Green Gt, SDMS, AD Venta and H2 Pulse,” said Raphaël Dinelli, Head of construction and co-pilot of Climate Impulse.

Overcoming Challenges

Over the past year, Climate Impulse has reached groundbreaking milestones in lightweight airframe and wing design, thanks to the dedication of Syensqo's teams. Several key Syensqo technologies—such as advanced composites for a lighter, more resilient structure are now onboard the aircraft. Many more have the potential to be used as well such as high-performance materials for an efficient hydrogen fuel cell, and innovative coatings and adhesives. Together, these solutions bring concrete improvement in lightweight, performance and aerodynamics. Syensqo's technological improvements could represent an additional range of 9000 km.

Dr. Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo, commented: “Making Climate Impulse a reality presents complex technical challenges that we are committed to overcoming. Our 13,000 Syensqo employees are proud to be part of this human, environmental and scientific adventure, showcasing the power of their sustainable innovations that will drive carbon neutrality for our customers and advance humanity.”

Inspiring aviation and beyond

With its nonstop round-the-world flight planned for 2028, the Climate Impulse project advances towards its goal of proving that hydrogen-powered aviation is not just a dream but a viable solution for sustainable aviation. If two passengers can fly nonstop around the world, smaller distances can embark larger numbers.

As one of the two main partners of the project, UM6P & OCP Group alliance embodies a powerful synergy, merging academic excellence with industrial leadership. This collaboration empowers researchers to pioneer and advance cutting-edge decarbonization solutions.

By integrating scientific research, industrial applications, and sustainable innovation, UM6P & OCP Group strengthen Climate Impulse’s vision of proving that breakthrough clean technologies can power the future of transportation and industry without harming the planet. This partnership is not just about developing solutions—it’s about implementing them at scale, paving the way for a truly decarbonized global economy.

Hanane Mourchid, Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer, OCP Group: “Joining the Climate Impulse initiative underscores our commitment to a sustainable future. As we celebrate its first anniversary, we see this milestone as a decisive step to advancing green hydrogen and energy transition—essential elements of OCP’s vision for carbon neutrality and supporting Morocco’s action in global climate resilience.”

“At UM6P, we are committed to advancing sustainability and driving decarbonization efforts in Morocco and beyond through cutting-edge research and innovation. We are thrilled to support the Climate Impulse initiative as this partnership provides an exceptional platform for our researchers and students committed to developing key technological solutions for climate action,” said Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P.

Reflecting on 2024 Milestones

In twelve months, critical progress was made in key areas:

-       Cockpit Development: The shell of the cockpit has been built and the engineering of the inside is now complete, ensuring optimal aerodynamics and advanced communication systems, essential for efficient operation in diverse conditions.

-       Interior Fittings: Interior components have been finalized, including swivel seats, a bunk, a map table, and exercise aids designed to promote blood circulation. These features were tested in a full-scale wooden model to validate their functionality and pilot comfort.

-       Wing Spar Manufacturing: Production of the wing spar is underway, with mechanical strength and rupture testing scheduled.

-       Final Design Presentation: The latest aircraft design was unveiled, showcasing cutting-edge features and innovative engineering solutions.

-       3D Maquette Unveiling: A 3D model of the aircraft has been built to test take-off, landing, turning, and stability, providing stakeholders with a tangible representation of the airplane’s behaviour.

2025 - 2026 foreseen milestones

In 2025, testing of the hydrogen fuel cells and propulsion systems will be conducted using a modular test bench, validating the performance of the propeller, electric motor, and batteries for the initial 100% electric flight phases. This test bench will also assess fuel cells and tanks before installation. R&D will focus on optimizing the aircraft’s efficiency for both short- and long-haul flights, with future studies exploring scaled applications for light aircraft carrying up to 19-20 passengers.

2026 will be a crucial year as the plane should be revealed and first test flights performed. The aircraft's assembly will take place at Châteauroux Airport, bringing together all key components, including the cockpit, wings, hydrogen tank pods, and propulsion system.

Baku, 16 Nov 2024: A year after the pivotal COP28 pledge to double energy efficiency and triple renewable capacity by 2030, two major advocates in the energy transition - the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) and the Solar Impulse Foundation (SIF) - join forces to launch “Double Down, Triple Up - 20 Solutions in Action”. This initiative aims to encourage ambitious NDCs and accelerate progress towards global climate targets by showcasing 20 implemented solution cases that demonstrate achievable pathways towards renewables and energy efficiency goals.

The project builds upon the ‘Double Down, Triple Up’ campaign which was instrumental in securing the global target adopted at COP28. ‘Triple Up’ highlights the urgency to scale global renewable capacity threefold by 2030 through strategic investments, policy alignment, and innovation in solar, wind, long duration energy storage and other clean technologies to meet rising global demand sustainably. ‘Double Down’ underscores energy efficiency as a rapid, cost-effective approach for reducing  CO2 emissions, enabling countries to decrease energy demand while boosting energy security.

“Double Down, Triple Up: 20 Solutions in Action” is a contribution to show that substantial emissions reductions are within reach when businesses, governments, and communities adopt practical, scalable technologies aligned with renewable energy and efficiency targets. For energy efficiency, this could mean better building insulation to reduce heating and cooling demands, harnessing waste heat in industry, and applying precision farming to cut down on chemical use. For renewables, it involves expanding solar manufacturing, integrating projects with ecosystem restoration, and enhancing urban sustainability through smart city infrastructure.

Bringing concrete examples of energy efficiency and renewable deployment together  highlights the interconnected roles of both dimensions as essential to a just and sustainable energy future. Meeting these dual targets could deliver 80% of the emissions reductions needed to keep global warming within 1.5°C, helping phase out fossil fuels and build economic resilience worldwide. By simultaneously increasing clean energy supply and cutting energy demand, this approach optimises the use of renewables, reduces fossil fuel dependency, and ensures a more stable, affordable energy landscape, which is especially vital for emerging markets and developing economies.

“With increasing global electricity demand, the combination of increased renewables and energy efficiency is essential to avoid the need for additional fossil fuels. Smart, scalable and profitable solutions already exist and the amazing examples in this report provide just a snapshot of what is possible. Meeting our 2030 targets to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency will help deliver a clean, secure and just energy transition, not simply energy addition,” said Bruce Douglas, CEO of GRA.

“This project with the Solar Impulse Foundation exemplifies how achievable these targets are, with case studies from around the world showing real solutions in action. By investing in both renewables and efficiency, we can strengthen energy security, create green jobs, and provide emerging economies with stable, affordable energy. COP29 is our call to turn these inspiring examples into global action and policy change, moving us closer to a clean, secure, and just energy future for all,” he added. 

“Climate action needs everyone on board, from the green activists to the economic sector. It is precisely what renewable energies and energy efficiency allow us to do now: cheaper sources of clean energy and huge financial savings by putting an end to the current  waste of 2/3 of the energy production. With this initiative, the Solar Impulse Foundation together with the Global Renewables Alliance present 20 real-world solutions that support this narrative and push for change. It is an inspiring challenge showcasing what many still see as impossible: to build a 'qualitative economy' that reduces consumption and waste, not by shrinking the economy or leaving people behind, but by promoting efficiency and replacing polluting practices with environmentally protective ones” said Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation.

With the project launch at COP29, GRA and SIF invite global leaders and innovators to leverage these success stories and act. Both organisations are central advocates for an actionable energy transition, aiming to secure stronger policy commitments and drive investor support. This publication serves as a rallying point, offering insights and inspiring further action towards the clean, secure, and just energy future envisioned by COP28.