Sustainability In The Air

Why the world’s best-known explorer is backing hydrogen-powered flying

Oct 17, 2024

In this chat, Bertrand Piccard, a Swiss explorer and clean tech pioneer, discusses his groundbreaking Climate Impulse project aimed at flying a hydrogen aircraft around the world non-stop. He dives into the technical challenges of hydrogen storage and the efficiency of fuel cells. Piccard also shares his vision for sustainable aviation, emphasizing industry shifts beyond hydrogen. Plus, he explores the mental hurdles of innovative flights, urging listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. His journey advocates for cleaner air travel and the future of zero-emission aviation.

58:01

Creator website

Episode guests

Bertrand Piccard

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Bertrand Piccard advocates for hydrogen-powered aviation as a pioneering solution to achieving zero-emission flights, pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology.

The successful transition to hydrogen-powered aircraft will require significant infrastructure changes at airports, akin to the evolution of gas stations for automobiles.

Deep dives

Sita Ecomission and Sustainable Airline Operations

Sita Ecomission is a tool designed to aid airlines in streamlining compliance with critical environmental regulations such as Refill EU and EU ETS. By providing real-time insights, it not only reduces operational costs but also supports airlines in adopting more sustainable practices. This tool represents a strategic move towards greener aviation, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance in reducing overall environmental impacts. The advancements in technology exemplify the industry's commitment to addressing climate challenges while maintaining operational efficiency.

Intro

5min

Pioneering Sustainable Aviation: The Hydrogen Revolution

25min

Hydrogen Flight: Ambitions and Alliances

10min

Navigating Mental Challenges in Groundbreaking Flight Adventures

4min

Navigating the Skies of Sustainability

9min

Exploring Exotic Airports and Life's Choices

2min

The Power of Resilience and Personal Aspirations

2min

Closing Remarks on the Path to Sustainable Aviation

2min

In this episode, we talk to Bertrand Piccard, renowned Swiss explorer, psychiatrist and clean technology pioneer. He shares insights into his ambitious Climate Impulse project that aims to set a historic precedent by flying a hydrogen aircraft around the world non-stop in 9 days.

Piccard achieved global recognition for completing the first non-stop balloon flight around the world and for co-piloting Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered aircraft to circumnavigate the globe. As the founder and chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, Piccard continues to advocate for environmental solutions and push the boundaries of sustainable technology.

Piccard discusses:

The Climate Impulse project, aiming to fly around the world non-stop using liquid hydrogen, showcasing the potential of zero-emission aviation.
The technical aspects of the hydrogen-powered aircraft, including the challenges of storing liquid hydrogen at extremely low temperatures and the efficiency of fuel cells.
His vision for the future of sustainable aviation, emphasising the need for a shift towards more efficient technologies and practices beyond just hydrogen power.
His perspective on the current state of aviation, including his stance on ticket pricing and the need for a more sustainable approach to air travel.
The lessons learned from his previous projects, including Solar Impulse, and how these experiences inform his current endeavours.

Throughout the conversation, Piccard emphasises the importance of pushing boundaries in technology and human capability. Looking to the future, he expresses optimism about the potential of hydrogen in aviation, while acknowledging the challenges of implementation and the need for a holistic approach to sustainability in the industry.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, who shares how the developer is spearheading a new model of eco-tourism on the west coast of Saudia Arabia. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Climate Impulse

Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard announces nonstop, round-the-world hydrogen flight - GreenAir News

This could be the first hydrogen-powered aircraft to fly non-stop around the globe - CNBC

Solar Impulse Foundation