New world fair lights the way to future energy
Our partners Power and Energy Networks 16th June 2017
Since London’s The Great Exhibition of 1851, world fairs and expos have introduced and popularised some of the most important inventions of the modern age.
Don’t believe us? Take a look at your phone. Alexander Graham Bell’s invention was first shown to the public at the Philadelphia World Fair of 1876. Hard as it may be for us to believe today, visitors’ minds were blown to hear the voice of the demonstrator coming from a speaker on the other side of the room.
The touchscreen is another part of your phone that came to the public’s attention at such an event – the 1982 Knoxville World Fair. And while you might take FaceTime and the like for granted now, when videoconferencing was first unveiled at the New York World Fair of 1964, it cost hundreds of dollars in today’s money just to make a three-minute call.
But why stop there? Other inventions to get their showcase at world fairs and expos include the x-ray machine, incubators for premature babies, vulcanised rubber, the dishwasher, television broadcasting, the zip – even chewing gum. And if your meals aren’t complete without a generous helping of tomato sauce, you can thank the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, where H.J. Heinz made a name for himself by scattering tags across the floor of the exhibition that finders could bring to his stall to exchange for a pickle pin. The stunt drew a huge crowd, and Heinz became the go-to brand for comfort food.
Expo 2017
World fairs have continued to showcase cutting edge ideology and technology, and this year’s event will be no different. Opening its doors last weekend, Expo 2017 is hosted by Astana in Kazakhstan. Astana became the country’s capital in 1997, and much of its architecture – including the marquee shopping mall that’s home to its own beach – is little more than a decade old.
Expo 2017’s theme is Future Energy, and some of The University of Manchester’s top scientists, experts and thought leaders are preparing to head out to the UK Pavilion of the Expo to share the ideas and technology that could shape the energy of tomorrow.
You may remember back in March that the University welcomed Charles Hendry, the UK Commissioner for the UK Pavilion at Expo 2017. He came to The University of Manchester on a fact-finding mission and visited the National Graphene Institute, as well as learning more about the work being carried out into advanced materials, energy, industrial biotech and health innovation at the University.
The commissioner liked what he saw, and now a far greater audience will get to see the work that’s done here in Manchester. In addition to being given a spot in the UK Pavilion to showcase their ideas, the University’s energy experts will also host a research showcase and deliver two keynote talks entitled ‘Energy revolution: what will the energy sector look like in 20 years?’, which get right to the heart of Expo 2017’s Future Energy theme. The first event on June 21st will feature talks by academics in the fields of energy networks, solar and wind power, and materials, while the other on June 28th will focus on oil and gas, nuclear energy and bioenergy.
“We recognise there is a pressing need to transform our energy system to ensure our worldwide population has access to affordable low-carbon energy.”
Professor Ian Cotton, Director of Manchester Energy at The University of Manchester and one of Expo 2017’s speakers, says: “We recognise there is a pressing need to transform our energy system to ensure our worldwide population has access to affordable low-carbon energy.” He adds: “Advanced materials, including graphene, will allow us to improve the efficiency of solar cells and store energy in new types of batteries and fuel cells.”
Graphene, which was, of course, isolated at the University, could hold the key to the development of new batteries that can be charged quicker and hold more power than today’s version. These batteries would be so small and lightweight that they could be sewn into the clothes we wear (check out the colour-changing graphene dress in our photo above) – or even our bodies. The advanced material could also be used to increase the storage capacity of wind and solar power.
Professor Cotton continues: “The Dalton Nuclear Institute at Manchester undertakes work to help operators extend the life of existing nuclear power plants and develop the next generation of reactor designs, with a focus on greater efficiency and safety. Meanwhile, our work in bioenergy is considering how we can use crops as a source of energy, while minimising the impact on global food production and water use. “
From the origin of energy to the future
Included in the showcase is the chance to tour the UK Pavilion. Award-winning architect Asif Kahn – the man behind the Coca-Cola Beatbox Pavilion at the London Olympic Games – designed the space, which is named We Are Energy. Visitors will be able to follow the journey of energy from its creation when the universe was born through nearly 14 billion years to now, before considering what its future holds.
The themes of ‘expansion of the universe’, ‘human ingenuity, landscape and nature’ and ‘UK innovation’ are included in the design. At the centre of the pavilion is a cylindrical screen displaying simulated images of the world, and within this wall is a structure Kahn says is inspired by human ingenuity. Complementing this setting is a soundscape designed by Brian Eno.
Away from the UK Pavilion, Expo 2017 as a whole covers a staggering 174 hectares, with 100 countries taking part. As many as two million tourists are expected to visit during the course of the event, which runs until September 10th.
Click here to book your spot at ‘The Energy Revolution: What will the energy sector look like in 20 years?’, hosted by The University of Manchester, on either June 21st or June 28th.
Words – Hayley Cox