EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, a joint venture between ElringKlinger and OPmobility, will supply fuel cell stacks for the first non-stop flight of a hydrogen-powered aircraft around the world. Environmental pioneer Bertrand Piccard will be one of the two pilots on this ambitious journey.
The Climate Impulse project aims to fly the aircraft over 40,000 kilometers in nine days in 2028 without stopping. The aircraft will be powered by two electric motors, each delivering 200 kW, enabling a cruising speed of around 180 kph. The required electricity will come from PEM fuel cell stacks provided by EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies. The green hydrogen needed for the journey will be stored in liquid form in two tanks, each with a volume of approximately 11 cubic meters.
“We are delighted that our stacks will feature in this pioneering project,” said Dr. Stefan Dwenger, Chief Commercial Officer of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies. “From our perspective, one of the key aspects was that the properties of our stacks once again proved a compelling factor when it comes to this pioneering project: compact design, excellent performance, and high efficiency. In particular, the high level of efficiency and, in turn, the low degree of hydrogen consumption is essential to the success of the project.”
The project also faces the challenge of maintaining the liquid hydrogen at -253°C throughout the estimated nine-day flight. This requires innovative thermal tank technology, provided by the US high-tech company Syensqo.
The Climate Impulse project was initiated by Bertrand Piccard, who is known for his environmental advocacy and adventurous spirit. Piccard previously achieved the first non-stop circumnavigation of the Earth in a balloon in 1999 and was part of a team that circumnavigated the globe in a solar-powered plane from March 2015 to July 2016.
“In this world full of eco-anxiety, we need to restore hope and stimulate action by demonstrating disruptive solutions that lead to sustainable progress,” said Piccard. “More than flying around the world with a hydrogen airplane, Climate Impulse will explore new ways of thinking and acting to promote a better quality of life. Efficient solutions will unite people from citizens and environmental activists to political and business leaders, shifting the narrative from sacrifice and fear to enthusiasm and action.”
Piccard will be joined by French project partner Raphaël Dinelli, who is also involved in the aircraft’s construction. The project’s partners include major aerospace companies Airbus and Ariane.
