By Ikenna Omeje
Italian energy giant and owner of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Eni, has announced its participation to Expo 2020 in Dubai as “Platinum Sponsor” of the Italian Pavilion, where the company will illustrate its innovation-led decarbonisation strategy applied to the whole energy supply chain.
In a statement issued on Monday, the company said it will take part in the Italian Pavilion with a project installation created by the innovation and design studio CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati and Italo Rota, that recreates artistically a microalgae cultivation by using a cascade of technological liana vines, up to 20 meters long.
“Through each of the LED lit lianas flow the microalgae: the see-through circuit therefore becomes a spectacular exhibition of microalgae biologic process and growth in the photobioreactor where, feeding on CO2, these unicellular organisms produce high-value compounds and more,” the company explained.
Eni noted that its commitment to low carbon emission in energy production focuses on technological innovation, adding that it is developing new technologies for decarbonisation, renewable energies and circular economy, in collaboration with over 70 universities and research centres globally.
It said: “Eni’s commitment towards energy transition takes shape by focusing on technological innovation to find new solutions for the lowest carbon impact in energy production. Thanks to the collaboration with over 70 Universities and Research Centres globally, Eni is developing new technologies for decarbonisation, renewable energies and circular economy, all of which will be illustrated in the Eni area at Expo 2020, with a dedicated video schedule and with the company participation in events and talks throughout the whole exhibition semester.”
Originally scheduled for October 20, 2020 – April 10, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai is scheduled to be a World Expo. It was, however, rescheduled to hold from October 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022, due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai was named as the host of the Expo by the Bureau International des Exposition on November 27, 2013.
