Enel’s energy will light up the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020, the Universal Exposition set to take place in Dubai from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. "We are proud to bring the Group’s innovation and technologies to lighting and consumption monitoring,” says CEO and General Manager Francesco Starace. As the Premium Provider for the Italy Pavilion, the Group has designed an innovative system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) which will make the visitor experience memorable.
Enel X’s two dynamic light installations, “Second Sun” and "Second Moon,” have twin lighting design goals: to functionally illuminate the exhibit space and to create spectacular lighting scenarios by changing the color temperature over a span of 24 hours (the circadian rhythm). Furthermore, the connection of video cameras to an IoT system will make it possible to know the number of people in the pavilion in real time, analyze the data produced and change the sun scenes in order to create an emotional and relational interaction “narrative” with visitors.
The innovative “Smart Metering” digital system will be installed on the Second Sun’s power lines. By using the changes in electricity consumption, this system will simulate the real-time monitoring of a home’s daily energy consumption.
Both systems are highly symbolic: the LED lights used in the “Second Sun” are indeed a metaphor for energy in 2021 (digital, inclusive and able to comply with customers’ needs and requirements). The Smart Metering system, on the other hand, enables users to see their consumption levels in real time. This marks a step forward in the evolution of energy use models, which are increasingly based on responsible choices aimed at sustainable urban development.
“The Universal Exposition in Dubai will be a unique opportunity to promote sustainable development models and responsible energy consumption practices”
Francesco Starace, Enel CEO
As CEO and General Manager Francesco Starace says, Enel’s technologies for lighting and consumption monitoring are “examples of our commitment to electrification, new uses of energy, digitalization and network resilience.” These elements, “together with the development of renewables, are part of our commitment to the transition towards a sustainable energy future in line with the UN development goals.”
Energy transition, decarbonization and sustainability are the most urgent challenges facing the world in the coming years. These challenges, as pointed out by Francesco Starace, simply have to be present at the first global event after the pandemic: “The Universal Exposition in Dubai will be a unique opportunity for promoting sustainable development models and responsible energy consumption practices.”
Enel editorial staff