One of the two pilots behind the flight of the first aircraft to fly around the world using only the power of the sun will be a guest speaker at the Global Solar Leaders Summit on 14 September during the GulfSol event.

Adventurer Dr. Bertrand Piccard who spent 12 years preparing for the pioneering flight has confirmed he will make a special appearance at the exhibition in the World Trade Centre, Dubai.

The announcement was made as 57-year-old Piccard prepared for the final leg of the ambitious round-the-world flight in Solar Impulse 2, the revolutionary single-seater aircraft made of carbon fiber, which is the same size as a Boeing 747 but weighs less than a family saloon car.

The Swiss pilot said: “We want to show that incredible achievements can be obtained with clean technologies, like flying day and night with an airplane consuming no fuel.”

GulfSol 2015 showcases the latest solar technologies and aims to assist the UAE’s sustainability vision 2021 to transform the energy-rich nation into a clean energy regional center.

The three-day exhibition will bring together key players in the solar industry across the Middle East and North Africa region. Dedicated to the solar industry, the exhibition is a platform to meet with the top global suppliers of solar products and services. The event will focus on raw materials, components and technology within the solar industry.

Muhammed Kazi, Senior Project Manager, GulfSol 2015 said: “We are delighted to have Dr. Piccard share his visions and thoughts on the solar industry at the 2015 GulfSol exhibition. GulfSol provides a great platform to exchange ideas and connect with the visionaries and key players of the industry. Working in line with UAE’s sustainability vision 2021, the event will kick-start discussion around these pressing issues and seek ways in which we can work towards a sustainable nation.” In addition we are delighted to have the support of the Ministry of Energy, UAE and MESIA (Middle East Solar Industry Association)

Dr Bertrand, who has shared pilot duties aboard Solar Impulse 2 with Andre Borschberg, is already in the record books following a non-stop balloon flight around the world and that gave him the inspiration to begin planning the Solar Impulse challenge. The 17,000 solar cells built into the wing supply four electric motors (17.5 CV each) with renewable energy. During the day, the solar cells recharge lithium batteries weighing 633 Kg (2077 lbs.) which allow the aircraft to fly at night and therefore to have virtually unlimited autonomy.

He said: “The aim of the Solar Impulse endeavour, the first round-the-world solar powered flight, is to engage the public in a great scientific adventure and to mobilise enthusiasm in favour of technologies that will allow decreased dependence on fossil fuels and induce positive emotions about renewable energies.”

Dr. Bertrand Piccard will address a panel with a keynote speech titled “Pushing the boundaries of solar innovation” during The Global Solar Leaders’ Summit, on the September 14. Piccard will share his experience of his journey and talk about the potential of solar energy.