Emirates National Oil Company unveiled a sustainable service station at the Expo 2020 site in Dubai. The station was built with energy efficiency in mind and is the first in the region to be equipped with a wind turbine for generating power. It is kitted out with more than 280 solar panels, which were expected to create 143 megawatt hours of electricity each year. The unveiling was attended by the Minister of State for International Co-operation, Reem Al Hashimy, who is director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Enoc group chief executive Saif Al Falasi. Energy conservation at the station will be enhanced by the use of carbon filtration technology to recycle and reuse grey water, which is accumulated from sinks and other appliances, for irrigation. The station is also fitted with drinkable air units that convert water molecules from vapour to drinkable water for staff on site. Its design takes inspiration from the national tree of the UAE, organisers said. The station was built to support the expo fleet and serve the general public. “Our presence at Expo 2020 is also underpinned by the unveiling of the service station of the future, a fully functioning, futuristic service station that incorporates multiple sources of energy,” Mr Al Falasi said. “Incorporating the design of the ghaf tree, the station is symbolic of the shared ambitions of Enoc and Expo 2020, which seeks to be one of the most sustainable World Expos, supporting the UAE’s wider commitment to innovative approaches to sustainable development, and creating a meaningful legacy for the region,” said Manal Al Bayat, chief engagement officer of Expo 2020. Expo 2020 was due to begin in October last year but because of the pandemic it was postponed until October 2021. The Expo site is currently open for visitors – <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/heritage/dubai-expo-2020-opens-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-1.1151622">read our full guide here</a>.
