Syensqo reviews the second year of its strategic partnership with Climate Impulse, an initiative led by Bertrand Piccard and Raphaël Dinelli aimed at achieving the first non-stop, zero-emission, round-the-world flight powered by green hydrogen. Following the initial project phase, a new milestone has been reached with the confirmation of the use of the Aquivion ion-exchange polymer in the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, which is intended to support the range performance of the aircraft planned for a nine-day non-stop flight.
The key structural elements of the aircraft, including the wings, cockpit and fuselage, have been manufactured using Syensqo composite solutions in les Sables d’Olonnes. Completion of this stage, described as an unprecedented technological challenge related to the construction of the aircraft, is expected by the end of the year. Initial test flights of the Climate Impulse aircraft are then planned at the Châteauroux airport in France.
As the project's main technology partner, Syensqo contributes expertise in advanced materials, application engineering and system-level co-development. A central area of work is the development of solutions capable of meeting the extreme requirements of hydrogen aviation, both in terms of structures and systems for power supply and energy storage.
The project also leverages the capabilities of Syensqo's green hydrogen laboratory in Bollate, Italy, which supports research, testing and validation activities along the hydrogen value chain, from materials innovation to the evaluation of system performance under application conditions. The objective is to shorten development timelines for new solutions and reduce technology risk at early deployment stages.
Aquivion polymer in the aircraft fuel cell
The confirmation of the use of the Aquivion ion-exchange polymer in the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is a significant stage in the development of the project. This material is located at the core of the chemical reaction that generates electrical energy from hydrogen, which directly affects flight parameters, in particular range and the duration of continuous operation of the propulsion system.
Mike Radossich, CEO of Syensqo, highlights the importance of integrating materials solutions in the Climate Impulse project.
"Climate Impulse exemplifies how science, innovation and partnership can come together to address some of the most complex challenges of our time," said Mike Radossich, CEO of Syensqo. "With our lightweight composite materials and now confirming our ion-exchange polymer material at the heart of the chemical reaction to power the aircraft, we are demonstrating how advanced materials can help turn the ambition of zero-emission non-stop round the world flight into a tangible reality."
This statement emphasizes the role of both lightweight structural composites and membrane materials in the design of zero-emission propulsion systems based on hydrogen.
The role of Syensqo as a strategic partner
Syensqo acts as the main technological partner of Climate Impulse, participating in the development of material and system solutions that must meet the constraints related to mass, safety, reliability and efficiency of hydrogen-based aircraft propulsion. The cooperation covers both the selection and development of composite materials for the main airframe structures and the use of ion-exchange polymers in fuel cell systems.
Bertrand Piccard, Chairman and Initiator of Climate Impulse, points out the importance of the company's involvement in the project.
"Syensqo is a major strategic and technological partner, without whom the Climate Impulse project could not have been announced or even considered," said Bertrand Piccard, Chairman and Initiator of Climate Impulse. "Together, we are showing that high tech light-weighted material can enable solutions once considered impossible, including clean, long-range aviation."
In this context, the use of lightweight composite materials is crucial for reducing structural mass and increasing energy efficiency, which directly influences the achievable range and mission profile of a hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The round-the-world mission and decarbonization context
The goal of the non-stop, zero-emission round-the-world flight led by Bertrand Piccard and co-pilot Raphaël Dinelli is to demonstrate that aviation based on hydrogen and zero-emission technologies is not a distant vision but a viable solution. The project has a demonstrative character, showcasing the potential of green hydrogen for long-range aviation.
This initiative is aligned with Syensqo's One Planet roadmap, reflecting the company's ambitions and capabilities in enabling decarbonization across various industrial sectors. In aviation, this translates into the integration of advanced composite and polymer materials in lightweight structures and energy conversion systems, aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining operational requirements.
The use of dedicated research laboratories for green hydrogen and the development of specialized materials for fuel cells and composite structures indicates the direction of further work on technologies related to hydrogen aviation and, more broadly, hydrogen applications in industry.
