In a world racing to combat climate change, a revolutionary aircraft made history by proving that the sky is no limit for clean energy. Solar Impulse 2, a solar-powered aircraft engineered in Switzerland, became the first plane ever to fly around the world without using a single drop of fuel, powered solely by the sun.
Flight powered by daylight
Piloted alternately by Swiss explorers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the aircraft set off from Abu Dhabi in March 2015 and completed its global journey in July 2016, covering more than 40,000 kilometers. The mission spanned four continents, two oceans, and 17 stops — demonstrating that renewable energy is not just viable, but extraordinary.
“We want to show that clean technologies can achieve the impossible,” — Bertrand Piccard
A marvel of aviation and sustainability
- Wingspan: 72 meters (wider than a Boeing 747)
- Weight: 2,300 kg (less than a family car)
- Power Source: 17,000+ solar cells
- Energy Storage: Four lithium-ion batteries for night flying
With no noise, no emissions, and no fuel onboard, Solar Impulse 2 pushed the boundaries of what aviation and clean energy can accomplish together.
One of its most celebrated milestones was a record-breaking solo flight across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Hawaii — a 5-day, 5,000-mile journey completed by Borschberg, marking the longest uninterrupted solo flight in aviation history.
More than a flight — A global wake-up call
The aircraft’s mission wasn’t just technological — it was deeply symbolic. With each takeoff and landing, it delivered a powerful message to the world: renewable energy is real, scalable, and ready to lead the future.
Solar Impulse 2 became a moving platform for environmental advocacy, inspiring individuals, governments, and businesses to rethink their reliance on fossil fuels. It also led to the creation of the Solar Impulse Foundation, which promotes clean and efficient solutions that benefit both the planet and the economy.
What comes next?
Though Solar Impulse 2 is now retired from active flight, its legacy continues to soar. The aircraft remains a beacon of hope and innovation in the fight against climate change, proving that solutions are already shining down on us, quite literally.
“The future is clean. The future is you. The future is now.” — Bertrand Piccard
As energy demands grow and environmental crises intensify, Solar Impulse 2 reminds us that we don’t have to wait for the future — we can build it, boldly and sustainably, starting today.
