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Ahead of the opening of Expo 2017 Astana, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) asks Fernando Benzo Sáinz, the National Commissioner of the Pavilion of Spain, about the country’s participation.

Why did Spain choose “Spain, Energy for the Planet” as the theme for its participation in Expo 2017 Astana?

F. Benzo Sáinz: Under the theme “Spain. Energy for the Planet”, the Pavilion will seize the opportunity to showcase to the world, from a Spanish perspective, our singularities, contributions and strengths in the development of renewable energies.

The Spanish Exhibition will present the main renewable energy sources that are being developed and used in the country and will project the image of Spain as a country open to modernity, technologically advanced and deeply committed to the environment.

In what ways is Spain a world leader in renewable energies and green use of the environment?

F. Benzo Sáinz: The Pavilion will bring attention to unique experiences based on the intense relationship with sources of renewable energies, energy efficiency technologies, universal access to energy and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. The exhibition will showcase some of the most innovative renewable energy plants and projects in our country and abroad, as Spanish companies are leading some of the most important global renewable energy projects.

Spain is the country with the largest installed capacity of thermoelectric solar energy in the world and Europe’s second country in terms of wind power generation. This has only been possible because of the outstanding R&D&i efforts of Spanish companies.

Moreover, the Pavilion will showcase how Spain is contributing to the goals set in the United Nations Agenda of Sustainable Development at the Summit of Sustainable Development in Paris (September 2015) especially with regard universal access to energy and actions in the fight against climate change.

What innovative energy-saving solutions are to be showcased at Expo 2017 Astana?

F. Benzo Sáinz: The Pavilion will showcase Spain as “the country of renewable energies” especially with regard to wind energy, photovoltaic and hydroelectric power and solar thermal energy. The emphasis will be on energy best practices that are taking place nowadays in Spain and abroad, such as the innovative system of integration of renewable energies in the national grid or projects leading to energy self-sufficiency of some isolated territories.

The content of the Pavilion will focus on the contributions and commitments of Spain in terms of research and development in renewable energy sources and technologies.

In sum, the Pavilion will project an optimistic message about the future, reflecting Spanish scientific and technological expertise in the energetic field, with the goal of becoming a Pavilion not only of ideas but also of values.

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