London’s Science Museum has opened a new gallery exploring how the world can limit climate change by using energy more sustainably.
Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery features historic and contemporary objects and digital exhibits that highlight how we can create a low-carbon future.
The free gallery showcases new technologies across the world, from terracotta air-cooling façades in India to solar farms in Morocco. Three sections make up the new gallery – ‘Future Planet’, ‘Future Energy’, and ‘Our Future’.
“This gallery shares contemporary stories of individuals, organisations and communities all imagining the future of low-carbon energy, but it also spotlights some of the earliest ideas and technologies created by the imaginations of previous generations,” said lead curator Oliver Carpenter.
“By taking a long view of the energy revolution and showcasing impressive technologies of the past, alongside today’s low-carbon options, we hope to inspire visitors to imagine a low-carbon energy future.”
Ian Blatchford, director and chief executive of the Science Museum Group, said the gallery is designed to provoke “important conversations about the urgent need for the world to generate and use energy more sustainably”.
The gallery is sponsored by Adani Green Energy, the renewables division of Adani – an Indian multinational conglomerate with major holdings in coal.
The museum has been criticised for its collaboration with Adani. Around 150 climate activists protested at the institution on Saturday (24 March).
“As one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies, we are dedicated to making progress towards net zero, and there is no greater resource in the fight against climate change than education,” said Sagar Adani, executive director.
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“Through the sponsorship of the gallery, we aim to inspire young minds, scientists, and innovators to imagine a future powered by clean energy and build a carbon-free world.
“We hope the museum’s millions of visitors learn about the vital importance of renewable energy in tackling climate change.”
Energy Revolution was sustainably designed by architect and design studio Unknown Works. Aluminium was used where possible as it can be easily recycled, while energy-efficient LEDs are used to light the gallery.
Also, the gallery’s digital screens and lighting is turned off when the museum is shut to reduce energy consumption.
Images courtesy of the Science Museum Group
