Solvay Ready to Join Solar Impulse HB-SIB on its Trip Around the World

BRUSSELS -- Solvay is proud to join founders and pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg in the unveiling of Solar Impulse HB-SIB, the upgraded second version of the solar airplane that will begin its world tour in early 2015 without using a single fuel drop.

From day one and for ten years now, Solvay has been part of the adventurous Solar Impulse project, which in 2004 many thought was inconceivable. With this "Flying Lab" Solvay has put into practice its expertise in advanced materials and sustainable energy, enabling the first Solar Impulse to fly around the clock only on the suns energy. It has pushed the boundaries of innovation, technical expertise and entrepreneurship.

Compared to Solar Impulse 1 (Si1) which successfully completed its coast-to-coast flight through the United States last year and the crossing of the Mediterranean Sea in 2012, the technologies on the larger Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) have advanced to boost energy efficiency. This time, it is fit for its "Round-The-World Solar Flight".

"Solvay has shown with both Solar Impulse projects its key contribution as a chemical solutions and advanced materials provider in the development of alternative and sustainable energy sources," said Solvay Chief Executive Officer Jean-Pierre Clamadieu. "Solvays advanced solutions and materials contribute to the energy transition and help tackle the challenges that society is facing with an expanding population."

"For Solvay, Solar Impulse represents innovation without limits, replacing weight with smart solutions. Taking on this project which many experts didnt believe in, has forged a strong, entrepreneurial team spirit. It has led to an unmeasurable sense of pride that the vision of a solar plane, flying day and night without fuel, has become a reality," added Solvay Executive Committee member Jacques van Rijckevorsel, who initiated the project for the Group in 2004.

Solvay researchers, chemists and engineers in Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy and the United States have left their marks on both planes which carry about 6,000 Solvay parts. Solvays 13 products on the Si2 have enhanced its performance while keeping weight to a minimum. With a 72 meter wingspan, the planes weight 2.34 tons is similar to that of a jeep, while its horse power is similar to a motorbikes.

Thanks to Solar Impulse, Solvays advanced chemical solutions and advanced materials have accessed a host of promising new markets, including solar panel protection, computer and mobile phone batteries, baggage compartments on planes and sustainable solutions in mobility.