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Channel NewsAsia 22 Mar 05 Aichi Expo to showcase latest technology in eco-friendly energy By Channel NewsAsia's Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida The World Expo opens in Japan on Friday in Aichi Prefecture and it will showcase some of the latest technology in eco-friendly energy. In fact, the Expo's power plant has been turned into a pavilion for visitors although using such clean energy comes at a high price. Visitors to the World Expo in Aichi are likely to see many solar panels generating clean energy. All round Japan, solar panels are being used to produce eco-friendly energy and some 2,500 have been set up at the Aichi Expo. The only catch - when there's no sun, the panels are useless. So the Expo organisers have also set up alternative clean energy sources such as fuel cells. The Expo's power plant which would normally be hidden away behind the scenes has been turned into a pavilion for all to see. Kazuaki Koizawa, Director General, New Energy Technology Department of NEDO, said: "We're using a new type of fuel cell, a whole new dimension. Japan prides itself for having the latest technology in the world." This is one of Japan's biggest experiments in new energy. After the Expo site closes for the evening, a number of trucks will bring in waste from restaurants. The waste will be mixed with water, fermented, and turned into methane gas. Methane is a clean substitute for petroleum. Combined with other experimental ways of creating clean energy, such fuel cells power 10 percent of the mega Expo although the clean energy comes at a high price. Running the fuel cells and solar panels for the entire 6-month Expo will cost about US$80,000, more than twice what it would have cost to use conventional energy sources. Kazuaki Koizawa said: "Solar battery is already close to a practical stage. As for fuel cell, some can be put to practical use. We still have some work to do, especially to develop new technologies. We have to figure out, how we can combine them, and what kind of energy supply is most appropriate for certain means." Japan is determined to comply with the Kyoto Protocol and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent from 1990 levels. Once the Expo ends in September, the clean fuel facility will move to Nagoya's new airport where the experiment will continue. - CNA Channel NewsAsia 23 Mar 05 "Nature's Wisdom" is the theme of this year's Aichi Expo By Channel NewsAsia's Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida The theme of this year's World Expo, which traces its roots to the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, is "Nature's Wisdom". With 121 countries hosting displays, they show the link between technology and the environment and our correspondent gives us a preview of what some of the pavillions have to offer. Flying the kite, is American politician and inventor Benjamin Franklin, renowned for proving that lightning is an electrical discharge. He's the face of the United States pavilion here at the Aichi Expo. Lisa Gable, US Commissioner General of Section, US Exhibition, said: "The US wants to promote our core values of hope, optimism, enterprise and freedom. We have our host Benjamin Franklin. He'll take people through history of how technology mimicks 'Nature's Wisdom'." Water and glasses define the Italian pavilion, representing the image of the Mediteranean Sea. But what's really special there is an ancient bronze statue called the Dancing Satiro, discovered by fishermen only in 1998. Umberto Donati, Commissioner General, Government of Italy, said: "It's 2,400 years old. For the first time, Dancing Satiro came outside of Italy, and its because Italy is like Japan. And for this love we bring this Satiro here." A tropical rainfall, and a tree which talks to you: they are part of Singapore's concept of "World Without Walls". Chandrika Shantilal, Programme Director, World Expo Division, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "The primary message we're trying to convey is a balance or harmony that Singapore has in various and many aspects." And in this library, Ms Shantilal showed our correspondent the exchange of memorabilia between Singaporeans and Japanese. Visitors will also get to taste food from different countries and come across festive events at the Expo site. At the opening of the Canadian pavilion, Japanese Shinto priests joined in the celebrations in another example of a successful cultural exchange. But with just days to go before the opening, some participanting countries are still not ready. Construction is still taking place within the Sri Lankan pavilion as the materials did not arrive in time due to the tsunami. In fact, some pavilions may not even be fully ready till one or two months later. But with a six-month run, visitors can be assured they'll still get to see some of the best exhibits the world has to offer. - CNA links The Aichi Expo 2005 website Related articles on Global issues: global warming issues, policies |
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