On March 9, 2015, the plane **Solar Impulse** took off to accomplish an exceptional round-the-world flight, powered solely by **solar energy** and without any fuel consumption. This flight of 42,000 kilometers, crossing oceans and continents, marked a turning point in the aerospace sector and the energy transition. **Bertrand Piccard**, one of the two pilots of this adventure, reflects on this achievement and the progress made since then.
### A technological and human achievement
In 2016, after 17 stages and 500 hours of flight, **Solar Impulse** completed its round-the-world journey, proving that sustainable solutions are possible for the future of aviation and energy. This success was marked by **13 years of hard work** and a **palpable emotion** at the departure of the flight. Piccard recalls the stress of uncertainty before takeoff, wondering if the renewable energy goals and commitments would be met. Ten years later, he sees this success as a relief and proof that the **energy transition is achievable**.
### The impact of Solar Impulse on electric aviation and renewable energies
The success of **Solar Impulse** has catalyzed **600 electric aviation projects**, giving a strong boost to this sector. At the same time, the price of solar energy has dropped, becoming **40 times cheaper** since the beginning of the adventure. Piccard emphasizes that the **ecological transition** is not synonymous with sacrifices, but with **economic opportunities** for the industry.
### Climate Impulse: a new challenge on the horizon
In 2025, Bertrand Piccard is not content to celebrate Solar Impulse. He takes on a **new challenge** with **Climate Impulse**, a **green hydrogen** aircraft. The project is already well advanced, with **30% of the aircraft constructed**, including the **cockpit, wings, and fuselage**. The first test flights could take place in **2026** in Châteauroux, France.
Piccard sees **Climate Impulse** as a way to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen, not only for aviation but also for sectors like **heavy transport, trains, boats, and even industry**. The goal is to prove that it is possible to create a **totally decarbonized hydrogen industry**, produced from renewable energy.
### A vision for the future
Piccard remains convinced that **exploration** has a crucial role to play in transforming the world. According to him, too many solutions are not yet utilized due to **bureaucracy**, **administration**, and well-established **certainties**. He calls for a change in approach to **improve quality of life** and **show new ways of doing things**.
In summary, **Solar Impulse** was a landmark achievement, but **Climate Impulse** could very well be the next decisive step in the global energy revolution.
With [rtbf.be](https://www.rtbf.be/article/bertrand-piccard-apres-solar-impulse-un-nouvel-avion-pour-revolutionner-l-aviation-11515373)