Statement from IRENA Director-General on Completion of First Round-the-World Solar Flight

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 26 July 2016 – The following is a statement from IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin on the completion of the first circumnavigation of the globe by the Solar Impulse solar-powered airplane today in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:

“I am delighted to congratulate Solar Impulse on its pioneering round-the-world flight fuelled entirely by energy from the sun. This remarkable accomplishment is a clear signal that the age of renewable power is here to stay. IRENA is proud to have supported the project as one of its partners.

Solar Impulse has raised awareness about the promise of renewables, showing that they can provide sustainable, reliable energy. It has also pushed technological boundaries forward and is a testament to the importance of innovation and international cooperation in realising a sustainable energy future. For this, Solar Impulse pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg now join the elite club of pioneering aviators.

This impressive feat is another proofpoint that we have entered a period of sustained growth for renewable energy. Today, we are seeing renewable energy costs fall and investments soar to record levels – such that renewables are competing head-to-head with power from other energy sources. As a result, more renewables are being added to the global power generation mix than from all other sources combined.

Even with this progress, more must be done if we are to meet global targets on climate and sustainable development. I am confident that with more of such pioneering endeavours, like the one completed today, we will rise to meet and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.”