Complete guide to Solar Impulse 2 and what its flight means for future of energy
Crown Prince and UN chief send their congratulations
ABU DHABI // UAE leaders and others around the world yesterday congratulated the Solar Impulse team for their historic achievement. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, congratulated the Swiss pilots, their home country and Masdar, a major sponsor.
“We congratulate Switzerland on this success, which proves that partnership and cooperation for the good of mankind is our ultimate goal,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted after Solar Impulse 2’ s landing in Abu Dhabi.
“We hope the success of Solar Impulse helps to deliver Abu Dhabi’s message about the need to invest in clean energy and encourage innovation.
“Solar Impulse’s arrival in Abu Dhabi is not an end, it is a new beginning towards more achievements.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the accomplishment, saying the journey “opens vital new applications for renewable energy in all walks of life”.
“Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE and home to the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA, stands as a global pioneer in renewable energy,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on his official Twitter account.
In the final hours leading up to the aircraft’s landing at Al Bateen Airport, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon congratulated co-pilot Bertrand Piccard, who flew the final leg from Cairo, by Skype.
“You have been flying more than 40,000 kilometres without fuel, but I know that you have much energy,” Mr Ban said.
“You may be ending your journey but the journey to a sustainable world is just beginning.”
The achievement put Mr Piccard and co-pilot Andre Borschberg in an elite club of pioneering aviators, and proved renewables could provide sustainable and reliable energy, said Adnan Amin, director general of the International Renewable Energy Association in Abu Dhabi.
“This remarkable accomplishment is a clear signal that the age of renewable power is here to stay,” Mr Amin said.
“It is a testament to the importance of innovation and international cooperation.”
Mr Amin said the realisation of similar groundbreaking ventures in the future would help to meet the world’s climate and sustainable needs. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, also hailed the team’s return, saying it sent “an important message to future generations that it is high time to think differently” and build a future based on innovation and sustainability.
Solar Impulse reflects the potential for the widespread use of solar power in the UAE, said Tanzeed Alam, climate and energy director of the Emirates Wildlife Society and World Wildlife Fund. The group recommended the country set more ambitious solar-power targets to be reached by 2050. “It’s not a coincidence that Solar Impulse has landed in Abu Dhabi,” he said. After inspecting Solar Impulse 2 after its landing in the capital, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said: “The UAE is an international hub for all sorts of energies, projects and initiatives which aim to ensure better future for the world and hosting the Solar Impulse project by Masdar confirms the country’s pivotal role in the renewable energy field.”
Sheikh Saif congratulated the team on the achievement. “Welcome to Abu Dhabi.” he said.