Flight of first solar-powered plane will persuade sceptics: Minister

The success of the world's first solar-powered plane on round-the-globe trip will convince those who still harbour misgivings on the possibilities of solar power, government said in Parliament today.

The development is of most profound importance for the future of not only India, its economy and society, but also the survival of the human civilisation, Science and Technology Minister Harshvardhan said in identical suo moto statements in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

He said this was because the world is threatened by over-exploitation of nature and climate change.

Ahmedabad witnessed the historic landing of world's first solar powered aircraft last night while embarking on a global tour.

The aircraft, named Solar Impulse-2 (SI2), is capable of flying day and night only on solar power. It is on a mission to spread information about the fantastic possibilities of life free of fossil fuels.

"The Si2 flight's landing in India serves to persuade those who still harbour misgivings on the possibilities of solar power.

"This may not result in aircraft companies manufacturing solar-based planes overnight, but that is bound to happen within the next 10-15 years. But before that we must ensure that coal, oil, wood and all traditional forms of energy for daily needs, become history," the Minister said.

He further said, "Its success will serve to convince all humanity that the Sun is the supreme source of energy with limitless powers. It is also the major source of power which renews itself every day and forever."

He said the significance of Ahmedabad as choice of first landing in India should not be missed. It is the capital of Gujarat, the state that has pioneered large scale harnessing and distribution of solar energy for everyday use, he said.

The Minister said the aircraft, almost as big as A380 Airbus flying at 140 Kms per hour, and the crew are expected to take off for Varansi on March 15 and will then fly to Myanmar and China.

Its biggest feat would be to cross the Pacific Ocean to the United States and then the Atlantic Ocean to Europe.

Congratulating the scientists and technicians who made the feat possible, he said the entire community of Indian scientists working on the making solar power cheaper and more efficient are greatly enthused by SI2 landing in the country.