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Canadian entrepreneur Jay Goldsol has long envisioned a future where solar-powered airships could revolutionize transportation in remote parts of Africa. Now, after decades of effort, that vision is slowly becoming a reality.
Recently, a solar-powered airship was spotted flying over the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo—something that might seem like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. For most people, this idea feels futuristic and hard to imagine. But for Goldsol, it's been a dream he's worked toward for over 30 years. Since high school, he's imagined using solar energy to power airships that can deliver vital supplies to the hardest-to-reach places in Africa. Now, with real prototypes in development, his dream is finally taking shape.
"The history of airships goes back further than radio or cars," said Goldsol. "But no one has ever used them in this way before." To bring his vision to life, he founded Solar Ship, a company based in Toronto, dedicated to building these innovative vehicles.
The solar airship combines elements of traditional aircraft and airships. Its top is covered in solar panels, which power an electric motor that drives an auger to generate lift. A large helium balloon provides additional buoyancy, reducing the weight on the solar panels and allowing the airship to stay aloft longer.
One of the greatest advantages of this design is its ability to land almost anywhere. Unlike airplanes, which require long runways, or traditional airships, which need large spaces, this vehicle can take off and land on a field the size of a football pitch. That makes it ideal for regions in Africa where infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
So far, Solar Ship has successfully built and tested three different models in northern Canada, transporting goods across remote areas. These successes have convinced Goldsol that his airship could be a game-changer for humanitarian efforts in Africa.
One of the biggest challenges in delivering emergency supplies—like medicines and vaccines—is access. Traditional methods such as small planes or Humvees often struggle in dense jungles or during rainy seasons when roads become impassable. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, many rural areas are only accessible by foot, making it nearly impossible to get medical aid to those in need.
Goldsol believes his solar airships can solve the so-called "last mile problem"—the final step in getting supplies to the people who need them most. In the world of international aid, solving this issue can mean the difference between life and death.
"This project is about saving lives," said Michael Rugmer, a former classmate of Goldsol, in a fundraising video. "My brother needed urgent care 80 kilometers from Bujumbura, but there was no way to get him help quickly."
Despite the promise, not everyone is convinced. Dr. Amy Lehmann, founder of the Tanganyika Lake Floating Health Clinic, raised concerns about the feasibility of such a project in Western Congo. She worries that local communities may not trust or understand the technology. "Western Congo is not a place where outsiders can just walk in," she explained. "We need to build relationships first."
While Solar Ship is not a charity, it aims to provide its airships to humanitarian organizations and governments. However, the cost remains a challenge. A 30-meter-long airship capable of carrying 500 kg costs $1 million, with monthly rental fees of $30,000. Though cheaper than other options, it’s still a significant investment for many African countries.
Another issue is the rising cost of helium, which is essential for the airship’s buoyancy. Prices have more than doubled in recent years, making it harder to maintain a reliable supply chain in Africa. Even if the technology works, the logistics of keeping the airships running could be difficult.
In 2022, Solar Ship launched a crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo, aiming to raise $1 million for its “African mission.†The goal was to send the airship from Cape Town through Lake Victoria, delivering medical supplies every 500 km. By the deadline, they had only raised $6,500—but Goldsol remained optimistic, saying investors were ready to step in if needed.
"Many people have tried to bring airships back before," Goldsol said. "But they failed due to technical limitations. When you're pushing the boundaries of technology, everything needs to be carefully tested before it can fly."
So, what makes Solar Ship different? According to Goldsol, it's persistence. "We’ve built, tested, rebuilt, and tested again. We've learned from our mistakes and now we've found the right way forward." Whether or not the project succeeds, it's clear that Goldsol is determined to make his vision a reality.
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