Originally published on 1Sun4All.
To celebrate the arrival of the Solar Impulse airplane in Mandalay, Solar Impulse says Swiss pilots and co-founders of Solar Impulse, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, were elated to announce a partnership between ABB, the world’s leading power and automation technology group, and PACT, an international NGO, to bring solar energy to rural communities in Myanmar.
This is part of PACT’s plan to develop local solar power production for one million people in Myanmar in the next 5 years — a country where 70% of the population has no access to electricity — in order to increase quality of life, create economic opportunities and boost education in remote areas of the country.
In the Solar Impulse video above, Bertrand Piccard makes a speech to the President of Myanmar expressing how important it is for André Borschberg and him to have the opportunity to stay in Mandalay for the next few days, and that the message of Solar Impulse is about exploration and adventure in terms of quality of life.
Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg launched the coordination of ABB and PACT by presenting solar home systems to two women villagers, and explained in their speech: “ABB and PACT’s commitment is the practical demonstration that what we say with Solar Impulse is possible, that renewable energies can improve quality of life. Whether it’s the power for a record breaking solar airplane or simple light bulbs for basic needs, clean energies can impact lives forever. We need such actions everywhere!“
Bertrand Piccard said on Twitter: “We are in #Myanmar with #Si2 to make our future clean. Cast your vote on #futureisclean!”
Chaiyot Piyawannarat, Country Managing Director for ABB in Myanmar, said, “By bringing solar powered electricity to these communities, we will make a lasting difference long after the Solar Impulse plane has departed. What connects Solar Impulse, ABB and PACT is a shared ambition to create a better world through innovation and technology, bringing a brighter and stronger future for generations to come.”
“PACT’s vision is to bring solar power to Myanmar. By starting with 700 charging stations that will help empower women’s businesses in rural communities, that vision is one step closer to reality. The message that Solar Impulse embodies has inspired us and our partner ABB – and helped catalyze a major effort to bring light to Myanmar,” commented Richard Harrison, Country Director, PACT Myanmar.
André Borschberg tweeted:
So many children welcomed @bertrandpiccard at the landing yesterday. They will make our future! #futureisclean pic.twitter.com/dZx5pPjkcp
— André Borschberg (@andreborschberg) March 20, 2015
And a final clean energy thought from Solar Impulse:
#Si2: I’m not afraid of a #SolarEclipse, I love it! With batteries, I can fly day & night. #Pacific, Here I come! pic.twitter.com/EK1qX950Zn
— SOLAR IMPULSE (@solarimpulse) March 20, 2015
Video Credit: SOLAR IMPULSE | Photo Credit: 2015-03-19 Solar Impulse 2 RTW 4th Flight Varanasi to Mandalay landing, Stefatou and Bertrand Piccard in Myanmar via Solar Impulse
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