Solar panels capture energy from the sun
This solar power is used to split water molecules through electrolysis
Hydrogen gas is produced as a result
The hydrogen is used to inflate and power/fly the balloonSciboz and Tièche’s flight was made possible through a collaboration with local firm Gruyère Hydrogen Power (GHP) and the Swiss startup GRZ Technologies for the innovative solid-state hydrogen storage container.
Normally, gas balloons rely on hydrogen transported by road from factories far away, but this balloon took off directly next to the Gruyère Energie site where the GHP plant, which produces hydrogen directly on site, was built.
GHP plant (in French):