Solvay commends “unprecedented feat” of Solar Impulse Pacific crossing

Solvay, one of the technology partners to the Solar Impulse project, has congratulated the pilots and their teams on crossing the Pacific Ocean without using any fuel. 

The crossing is the longest and most challenging leg of the Solar Impulse tour, in which it is attempting to fly around the world using only solar power.

"This leg of the journey was also a moment of truth for Solvay, allowing us to validate the reliability of our materials and solutions on board the aircraft,” commented Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, Chairman of the Solvay Executive Committee.

“Being part of the Solar Impulse adventure is a source of real pride for all Group employees."

A partner of Solar Impulse for nearly 12 years, Solvay has provided products and solutions that enable the solar airplane to fly day and night, in the areas of lightweight structures, batteries and energy efficiency.

In particular, Solvay has contributed to improving pilot comfort with its Solkane 365 MFC foaming agent, an ultra-lightweight material used for the thermal insulation of the cockpit, which had to face temperatures ranging from -40°C to +40°C in this long stretch above the Pacific.