Piccard wants to fly around the world in nine days in a hydrogen plane
Published: Wednesday, Feb 7th 2024, 02:10
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Solar pioneer Bertrand Piccard wants to do it again: After flying around the world in a solar-powered plane seven years ago, the Swiss man wants to jet around the world again in 2028 - this time in a hydrogen-powered plane and in nine days.
His new "Climate Impulse" project is not just about a thirst for adventure, as he said in an interview with Tamedia published on Wednesday: "I'm fed up with all the pessimism and inaction when it comes to environmental protection. I want to show all the people who see no future that there is hope and that we can act. The best way to do this is with a spectacular project."
Because there is still great resistance and aversion to future-oriented technologies, said Piccard. "I want to show that the opposite is true. I want to show that we now have everything in our hands to move away from fossil fuels." Environmental protection will only become a reality when it is perceived as economical and exciting. "But although the solutions are there, they are not being used enough."
Work on the new project has already been underway for three years. "It costs around 45 million francs to build the plane and 15 million to operate it," said Piccard, who will be 70 years old in 2028. His wife said that he would then be too old to inspire young people. "I say yes, but I will be old enough to give hope to the elderly."
©Keystone/SDA
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