Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan was selected by the Bureau International des Expositions to host the Expo 2017 under the theme “Future Energy” which is running through June 10 till Sept 10.
The Expo was organised along three subthemes “Reducing CO2 Emissions”, “Living Energy Efficiency”, and “Energy for All” to highlight the state of energy today and showcase sustainable solutions and innovative technologies for the future.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]Astana itself boasts a futuristic grandeur and the country, in general, is embracing bilateral ties with many governments post-Soviet era.
Historically, the country has been a hub for the exchange of goods and ideas with the Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia.
Expo 2017 was a great plat-form to feature “Energy for the Future” with over 100 countries displaying their state-of-the-art science and technology that offers green solutions, tackle climate change, conserve natural resources and promote societal progress and benefits.
Renewable energy from solar, wind, water, kinetic technology, biomass, geothermal, space, and nuclear sources was featured by most of the country pavilions, each in their own distinct ways.
Some countries are aspiring to embrace the technologies while many like China, Poland, France, USA, Germany and a number of other countries have clear strategies, action plans and are already embarking on these ventures.
There were innovative projects selected by a committee of Nobel laureates and climate experts displayed at the Best Practice Area that seemed non-conventional but futuristic.
Imagine a solar-powered aircraft, a Swiss project; using marine microorganisms to create a source of light which is a French project; and a USA project that generates electricity from garden plants’ photosynthesis.
The Expo offered insights into how future energy will be generated, stored and distributed. Smart cities and future mode of transportation were part of the exhibitions.
Many pavilions offered spectacular laser and 3-D shows which were a crowd puller. Incredible breakthroughs were presented in the most entertaining manner where visitors were able to interact, touch and try out the displays.
It was clear that every country was competing to showcase their capabilities, expertise, aspirations and achievements in the areas of future energy.
All the country pavilions also took the opportunity to serve their local delicacies at their cafes and many had sales booth where their handicrafts and local souvenirs were sold.
It was indeed a very colourful event with local volunteers who were ushering visitors dressed up in traditional costumes of their countries. It looked like an event where science and culture merged and gave a truly international feel.
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