Chile’s “white gold” reserves to showcase sustainable credentials ahead of Expo 2020 participation

The Republic of Chile will underscore its commitment to sustainable energy ahead of Expo 2020, with the announcement by the country’s government they will decarbonise the electric sector and implement 100% electric public transport by 2040 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Supporting the country’s commitment to sustainability both home and abroad is the country’s lithium reserves, which are extensively used in batteries for electric cars and buses. According to a 2019 report by the US Geological Service, Chile has the largest lithium reserves in the world with eight million tonnes, or enough to produce over 4,000 electric scooter batteries, representing 58% of the world’s total reserves of lithium.

Carlos Salas, Trade Commissioner of Chile in Dubai. Said: “Chile has a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change by supplying key materials and components for the new clean technologies industries, such as electric vehicles (EV), renewable energies, energy efficiency and green hydrogen, based on the country’s richness in natural resources.  

“Our sustainability theme at Expo 2020, which will be showcased throughout our pavilion, is very much aligned to the Dubai Plan 2021, the UAE Vision 2021 and the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development, underscoring our commitment to reversing the impacts of climate change through the use of clean energy.” 

The uses of high-quality Lithium in its various forms are far reaching, from mobile phones and electric cars to energy storage systems, with demand expected to increase from 290,000 tonnes in 2019 to 1.7 million tonnes by 2035. 

As part of Chile’s Expo 2020 showcase, the 700 square metre country pavilion will focus on its renewable energy capabilities, thanks to 4,000 hours of sunshine in certain regions per year underscoring potential solar energy production. Chile’s coastline, which measures 4,000kms, offers significant marine energy potential, while the Andes mountain range contains important geothermal energy reserves.

In addition to holding 58% of the world’s lithium reserves, Chile has emerged as a world leader in mining and is attracting increasing amounts of foreign investment, especially considering its mineral wealth. Chile holds 29% of the world’s copper reserves, 16% of the molybdenum reserves, 15% of silver reserves, 7% gold

With more than 200 participants, including 192 countries, and 25 million expected visits, Expo 2020 Dubai will be the largest event ever held in the Arab region. Running for six months from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, it will be the greatest show of human brilliance, ingenuity and innovation ever seen.