InfraStructures - September 2009

IFAT CHINA 2010

Next year in Shanghai, World Expo 2010 and the fourth edition of the environmental-technology fair IFAT CHINA begin at almost the same time. There are also similarities in the themes of the two events: The Expo theme “Better city, better life” implies making ecological advancements in megacities in China and around the world. And IFAT CHINA, which is being held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from May 4 – 6, revolves around the technologies and services that are needed to do so.

Eugen Egetenmeir, a member of the Management Board at Messe München International, sees the World Expo and IFAT China as two events that are mutually beneficial to one another. “While Expo showcases visions and concept ideas for sustainable urban development, our exhibitors present the equipment and state-of-the-art technology that are needed for environmental solutions.”

World Expo 2010, which is being held in the Chinese megacity of Shanghai from May 1 – October 31, 2010, is expected to be an event of superlatives. With more than 200 participating countries and at least 70 million expected guests, it will surpass all dimensions known to date. The slogan “Better city, better life” calls for concepts for sustainable urban development that, above all, take ecological aspects into account in addition to cultural and social ones.

Because of Expo, the host city of Shanghai is supposed to become greener and cleaner than ever. According to Germany Trade & Invest (Germany's former Federal Agency for Foreign Trade), the business center will spend the equivalent of $16 billion on environmental projects during the current fourth Environment Investment Plan, which covers the years 2008 to 2010.

The Middle Kingdom has also discovered energy-efficient buildings. One project that is attracting a great deal of attention among the general public is a 310 m skyscraper in the southern Chinese province capital of Guangzhou, which is supposed to generate all of its energy itself. The Pearl River Tower will be equipped with wind turbines, solar panels and fuel cells. Design by a Chicago-based architectural firm for the Guangdong Tobacco Company, the building is supposed to be finished in October of this year.

When it comes to sewage treatment, the largest investment programs are in China's rich booming cities. One current large-scale project is the modernization of the Shanghai Bailonggang Sludge Treatment Works. It is currently the largest sewage-treatment plant in Asia and has a daily throughput of 2 million m3 during construction.

Source: Messe München International