How has London contributed to Expo 2030?
Westminster Abbey became the first iconic historic building to promote Sustainable Evolution. Three huge wind turbines were installed on the famous structure, to demonstrate its support of Sustainable Evolution. With these new ‘moving spires‘, the Abbey aims to inspire others to do the same.
The Elizabethan Tower had Solar Panels mounted to each side of the the Tower, leaving the famous Big Ben clock at the top untouched. Power generated by the Big Ben Solar Panels, as they are known, is utilised by the nearby Houses of Parliament.
The iconic Tower Bridge had a wind turbine installed on top of each tower. The power generated is used to raise and lower the bridge with the surplus renewable energy used by the nearby Tower of London.
Four water wheels have been installed on the side of The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament. The gigantic water wheels generate hydro electricity from the River Thames. The energy generated powers the whole building, including electric car charging points for the MPs. The Big Ben Solar Panels can be seen in the background.
As part of EXPO 2030, the London Eye has been modified so each carriage now has solar panels on the top and bottom. This sustainable modification allows the energy from the sun to spin the wheel. Storage batteries provide power for the evening and night time rides.
Two vertical wind turbines were installed at the Tower of London to promote Sustainable Revolution. The wind turbines complement the two remaining historic weather vanes which remain in place and working. This is another example of Old meets New sustainability within EXPO 2030.