Far from fossil fuels

A thought-provoking performance at the ongoing Expo 2017 Astana shows a drowning man clinging to a barrel of diesel oil, an action that almost kills him. 
Given that Future Energy is the theme of the international exposition, the message is clear. Fossil fuel is taking its toll on humans. 
Climate change has already threatened the world, affecting patterns of temperature, precipitation and more. It aggravates global warming, which is driving various species such as polar bears into extinction. If climate change goes extreme, food security will falter. 
Staged inside the South Korean exhibition zone at the three-month-long Expo, the drowning man is saved by a female performer representing clean power, who also shows him how his city can be totally powered by eco-friendly energy sources. 
It’s a simple show yet one that is drawing visitors eager to learn from its powerful message. Cleverly combining performance art with the giant electric screen in the background, members of the audience can’t help but ask themselves if they too have become so attached to fossil fuel that they no longer realise the associated dangers. 
South Korea is just one of the more than 100 nations participating in the Expo 2017 Astana to address energy challenges of the 21st Century. The event kicked off on June 10 and will run until September 10.
Exhibitors are presenting their views of future energy in various ways. Inside the China Pavilion, for example, nuclear power is highlighted, the superpower making the point that nuclear energy is low-cost. 
Russia too has placed an emphasis on nuclear technology, which provides hope for villagers in its Arctic zones.
Japan, however, begs to disagree. Although Japan continues to operate several nuclear power plants, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 – which was triggered by tsunami – has nudged the country into pursuing alternative-energy sources.
The Japan Pavilion showcases the country’s current leaning towards solar energy and wind energy. 
Japan, moreover, presents how to save energy in everyday life by living in green dwelling units. For example, solar panels and fuel cells can be installed to make electricity at home. Japanese appliances, moreover, are promoted as having impressive energy efficiency. 
Here too the message is clear. Humans do not have to give up their creature comforts even as they go green. 
Singapore, a small island state, advocates a similar idea. Its pavilion promotes the best practices in sustainable development, urban planning and future energy. Embracing a “Small City, Big Ideas” concept, this exhibition zone underlines that humans can save energy by supporting energy-efficient facilities and devices. 
A leader in alternative power sources, Germany has proudly announced its plans to embrace renewable energy at this international exposition. Small water turbines are installed in the Germany Pavilion to show how they generate electricity in an environmentally friendly way. 
The German zone also has electric cars and even electric bicycles, with the industrialised and well-developed exhibitor presenting a wealth of ideas and innovations on the subject of generating, storing and distributing energy along with practical examples presented in an entertaining and accessible way. 
Thailand is there too, promoting biofuel, an obvious energy source given our agricultural abundance. 
Kazakhstan as host takes pride of place at the Expo, showcasing a comprehensive range of alternative energy options in an exhibition zone spanning more than 15,000 square metres across eight floors of a sphere-like building. The seventh floor is dedicated to a museum of future energy, the sixth to solar energy, the fifth to wind energy, the fourth to biomass energy, the third to kinetic energy, and the second to water energy.
It is a fascinating place to spend the day and the attraction is further enhanced by some cleverly imagined gimmicks. On the wind energy floor, for example, the gusts are so strong in one corner that walking becomes a challenge and your clothes feel like they will be ripped off your back. The presentation is a strong reminder of the power of the wind and why we should be harnessing something that comes for free. 
In the kinetic energy zone, visitors are invited to pedal stationary bicycles to generate energy. 
Indeed, the entire Expo is fun and educational at the same time. 
And despite being a major oil exporter, Kazakhstan pulls out of the stops to demonstrate that it is serious about future energy too. 
In Astana, well outside of |the exhibition zone, even the |direction signs are powered by solar energy. 
BOOK A TRIP NOW
- Expo 2017 Astana is being hosted by Kazakhstan through September 10.
- Air Astana offers two direct flights a week from Bangkok.
- For more information visit www.expo2017astana.com.