Solar Impulse 2, which landed in Abu Dhabi today, is first plane powered by the renewable energy source to tour the globe.This epic journey that started in March, 2015, in Abu Dhabi culminated in the UAE capital today, on July 26, 2016. Room erupts with applause after a short video of the pilot's journey is shown. Both the pilots were in tears and emotional as they get up to address the audience, after their warm welcome. The aim of the Solar Impulse adventure was not to develop solar-powered planes for widespread use, but to show the capabilities of renewable energy.

Solar Impulse 2, has created history by circumnavigating the globe without using a drop of fossil fuel. It has covered more than 40,000km in its quest to become the first plane to circle the world using just the energy from the Sun. The Cairo-Abu Dhabi flight marked the 17th and final segment in the journey, which has included crossings of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.  The plane, which has a wingspan wider than a Boeing 747 and carries more than 17,000 solar cells on its wings.

During daylight, the solar panels charged the plane?s batteries, which make up a quarter of the craft?s 2.3 tonne weight. The pilot also climbed to 29,000 feet during the day and glided down to 5,000 feet at night, to conserve power. The plane flies at about 30mph, although it can go faster if the sun is bright.

Piccard and Borschberg pilots of the plane, both Swiss, are seasoned adventurers. Piccard made the first non-stop balloon flight around the world in 1999, while Borschberg, a former Swiss Air Force fighter pilot, has had brushes with death involving an avalanche and a helicopter crash.Bertrand said the final leg from Cairo to Abu Dhabi was particularly tough, because of having to fly at high altitude to avoid the worst of the turbulence. He said his ground team had made the record-breaking flight possible.

 Solar Impulse?s journey has not been without difficulties. Crosswinds in China caused weeks of delays in 2015 and overheating batteries during the Pacific crossing forced it to spend the winter inside a Hawaiian hangar. 

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar said: The pilots have captured world's attention and delivered the message for a sustainable future. Today Si2 has proven that they could make the impossible possible and innovation has no limits, it is a great source of pride and inspiration. As the leader of developing renewable energy locally, regionally, and globally, we are committed to take this (legacy) forward.

Source: gulfnews.com,www.theguardian.com