Innovative technologies, debates… 3 days at the Change NOW exhibition to accelerate the ecological transition

The international exhibition Change NOW, hidden until Wednesday evening under the vast vault of the ephemeral Grand Palais, aims to “reflect the great transformations” of our world, according to its general director Santiago Lefebvre. Visitors will see through the aisles the innovations of companies and associations engaged in three major transformations: energy, agriculture and culture.

Divestment from fossil fuels

A startup based in Caen (Calvados), Boréales Energy develops and markets energy storage solutions in ice. Ubiquitous uses patented technology to recover light energy and generate electricity. The clear solar coating is made from light-absorbing dyes derived from non-toxic, earth-rich materials similar to the pigments found in fabrics and paints. Its windows collect and transmit electricity, which is then transferred and stored in a battery.

Several conferences (in English) will focus on ending the use of fossil fuels, including a conference with Lucy Pinson, founder and director of the NGO Reclaim Finance. In particular, we learn that the General Secretariat of Environmental Planning (SGPE) even has a plan to overcome this situation.

Save fresh water

Participants will present alternatives to traditional agriculture, as well as models of restoration activities in this area. The exhibition also presents innovative technologies. In this way, Oneka Water combines seawater from the ocean with its own wave energy to provide fresh water to coastal communities and industries without harming the environment. This desalination system requires neither electricity nor fuel, but only waves of a certain height.

Open the discussion to the general public

“Cultural transition means changing our relationships with other people and with nature,” emphasizes Santiago Lefebvre. We want to show that this new vision of society is not divisive. “To open up the debate to a wider audience, a world champion pastry chef, an ultra-trail star and even actress Lucy Lucas (“Clem” on the small screen) were invited. “And we will have the first televised debate on the green transition with the main candidates in the European elections, which will be attended by 700 visitors. It will be moderated by two traditional media journalists (including Le Parisien) and YouTuber.

Change NOW, from Monday 25 March to Wednesday 27 March 2024 at Grand Palais Ephémère, 2, Place Joffre, Paris (7th arrondissement). Price: 149 euros for changemakers (NGOs, start-ups, employees of large companies working on new environmental and social solutions, with evidence) and 390 euros for others. Wednesday, March 27, from 16:00 to 21:00, evening for the general public and in French: 15 euros (adult), 6 euros (from 8 to 17 years), free (under 8 years).