Netherlands begins construction of Expo 2020 pavilion
Pavilion will showcase the country’s innovation, inventiveness and openness
The Netherlands has started construction of its Expo 2020 country pavilion and marked the occasion with what’s billed as ‘an innovative water harvest’. A senior diplomat made a presentation on water harvesting and explained the Dutch Expo theme ‘Uniting Water, Food and Energy’. The theme is said to reflect the country’s knowledge and expertise in the sustainability sector.
According to a statement from the Dutch Consulate in Dubai, consul-general and commissioner-general, Hans Sandee, presented a bottle of water harvested from air in the Netherlands to Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, executive director of Expo 2020 Dubai. The presentation was on behalf of Sigrid Kaag, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
“It is important to realise our responsibility towards our planet and future generations. By showcasing home-grown solutions that link the issues of water, energy and food, we are keen to contribute to Expo 2020 Dubai,” said Minister Sigrid Kaag in a recorded speech that was broadcast at the event.
The V8 Architects-designed biotope pavilion is said to connect water, energy and food in a circular way. The production of water from desert air, powered by solar technology is said to be one of the inventions that will be on display at the Dutch Pavilion from October 20, 2020.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony and this unique bottle of water harvested from air reflects the Netherlands’ innovative approach to Expo 2020 Dubai. We look forward to continuing to work with the Dutch team and seeing what other exciting technologies will feature in the Dutch pavilion at Expo 2020,” added Al Ali.
Ap Verheggen, a Dutch artist, innovator and entrepreneur, and his team are said to be responsible for the SunGlacier technology that makes the water collection system work.
“Our solar-powered water-from-air technology will enable us to produce food in the future without being dependent on rainfall, rivers or other traditional sources of water,” stated Verheggen.
