First plane to fly around the world using solar energy returns

It is powered by 17,000 solar cells.

“Solar Impulse has raised awareness about the promise of renewables, showing that they can provide sustainable, reliable energy”, continues Amin. “It demonstrates clearly that with pioneering spirit and clean technologies, we can run the world without consuming the earth”. This transition is critical to fight climate change and improve the health of our planet and people. “Let us all be pioneers and embrace clean energy wherever possible”, said Piccard.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday hailed the determination and courage of the Solar Impulse flight team as the aircraft was about to complete its around-the-world journey. One thing I would like for you to remember: More than an achievement in the history of aviation, Solar Impulse has made an achievement in (the) history of energy.

“This is not only a first in the history of aviation; it’s before all a first in the history of energy”, Piccard said.

The solar-powered electric plane Solar Impulse 2 made history just after midnight today by completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth powered only by energy from the Sun.

The Swiss explorer urged the public not to accept the world record as granted, but to “take it further”.

But the aircraft was grounded in July a year ago when its solar-powered batteries suffered problems halfway through the trip.

The project has also been beset by bad weather and illness, which forced Piccard to delay the final leg.

Solar Impulse touched down in the UAE on its 17th and final leg after a short flight from Cairo, concluding a 42,000 kilometre journey that saw it cross two oceans, three seas and four continents.

The plane made stops in Oman, India, Myanmar, China, Japan, the U.S., Spain, Italy, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Its North American stops included California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania and NY.

He has been taking turns at the controls with Swiss compatriot Andre Borschberg, with the mission aiming to promote renewable energy.

“What an extraordinary experience to have witnessed the culmination of this 12-year design project and collaborative effort to build and fly an aircraft that many thought impossible”, said Bernard Charlès, Vice Chairman & CEO, Dassault Systèmes.

During its flights, “Solar Impusle 2” would fly at heights of around 9-thousand meters, but with an average speed of between 45 and 90-kilometers per hour, making their journey’s much longer than conventional-powered aircraft.

Abu Dhabi’s government-backed Masdar, which was part of the winning bid, opened a 100 megawatt plant using a different technology known as concentrated solar power outside the federal capital in 2013.

40 additional sponsors, including Omega, Belgian chemical company Solvay, Swedish-Swiss automation corporation ABB, Swiss manufacturer Schindler, Google and Moet Hennessey also helped fund the project.