Expo 2020 Dubai: Water from the desert air at Dutch pavilion
The Dutch Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 will focus on innovations that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals on water, food and energy. One of the innovations that will be displayed is the production of water from desert air powered by solar.
Dutch artist-innovator-entrepreneur Ap Verheggen and his team are the people behind the SunGlacier technology that makes this feat possible.
The pavilion’s central theme focusing on the water-food-energy nexus was revealed during the ground breaking ceremony in Dubai on 25 June. Hans Sandee, Commissioner General on behalf of the Netherlands for the Expo 2020 Dubai, handed over the bottle of water to Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, the Executive Director Expo 2020 Dubai.
Unique biotope
The Dutch pavilion will have a unique biotope, producing its own water, energy and food when it is finished. The starting signal with the symbolic delivery of a bottle of water extracted from the air, symbolizes the motto of the Dutch contribution to the Dubai Expo 2020, being ‘Uniting Water, Energy and Food’.
The SunGlacier, created by artist-entrepreneur-inventor Ap Verheggen and his right-hand man Peter van Geloven, is one of the inventions that will be shown in the pavilion from 20 October 2020.
Verheggen: ‘Our sustainable solar-powered water-from-air technology makes it possible for us to produce food in the future without being dependent on rainfall, rivers or other traditional water sources.’
Another example that will be shown during the Expo 2020 are the water systems from Holland Water. These systems prevent biofilm (a layer of micro-organisms) from developing in water pipes and cooling towers. By cleverly dosing very low concentrations of copper and silver ions, bacteria – such as legionella, for example – have no chance. Even in the warm climate of Dubai.
Responsibility for future generations
‘We have a responsibility towards our planet and future generations’, said Minister Kaag. In a video message from Scheveningen beach, she addressed the audience in Dubai.
‘The Netherlands is ready to show its innovations in the field of water, energy and food to the world’, the Dutch minister said.
Executive director Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali of Expo 2020 Dubai said on the occasion: ‘We look forward to continue working with the Dutch team to see what other exciting technologies will feature in the Dutch pavilion’.
