Solar plane's China visit to raise renewable energy awareness

The Solar Impulse 2, the first round-the-world solar-powered plane, will stop in China later this month to raise awareness of renewable energy and environmental protection.

The plane will come to China in late March on the fifth leg of a round-the-world journey, landing in Chongqing in southwest China and Nanjing in east China before passing over the Pacific Ocean, said Jenny Piaget with the Swiss embassy in China on Tuesday.

During the plane's stay in China, Chinese students will have a chance to learn more about the aircraft, renewable energy and aviation, thanks to a series of activities planned by the Swiss embassy and the China Association for Science and Technology.

The plane represents new energy and material and can bring something positive to China, which is faced with rising environmental and energy pressures, said Lyu Fang with the China Renewable Energy Society.

According to a report by the Modern Express, a local newspaper in Nanjing, a 16,000-square-meter mobile inflatable hangar at Nanjing Lukou International Airport will welcome the arrival of the plane, which weighs less than two tonnes but has a wingspan of more than 70 meters. Some 17,000 solar cells on its wings supply the power to let it fly day and night.

Solar Impulse 2 started its journey in Abu Dhabi on March 9 and is expected to set a record for flying 40,000 km without a drop of fossil fuel. It is piloted by two Swiss pilots.

According to its flight route, Solar Impulse 2 will undergo major maintenance in Nanjing before its biggest challenge: crossing the Pacific Ocean within five days and nights. Endi