A total of 544 million yuan (US$79.5 million) has been invested in 120 scientific and technological projects for Shanghai World Expo 2010, with almost 30 percent of the technologies already in use on the site.

The figures, released yesterday, show the amount invested by 2007, is 15 percent of the total spent on science and technology at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Further scientific and technology proposals were discussed at a session of the Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference yesterday. The proposals were based on research by the committee from April.

The research showed more than half of the 120 scientific and technological projects for the Expo - involving innovation in construction, energy resources, the environment, management, exhibition and security - were completed by 2007. Of those, 17 percent were expected to become highlights at the Expo.

"Currently, many scientific and technological achievements have been applied in construction and underground spaces, which are highlights that are hard to be displayed," said Sun Zhengxin, an official from the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology.

"High-tech highlights at the Expo are achievements that can leave a great impression on visitors and also promote the city's future development. It's of particular importance to set the scientific and technological highlights for the China Pavilion and Theme Pavilion,'' Sun said.

It was proposed that an extensive collection of "highlight" projects be open to the public. Experts in science, technology, culture, art and exhibition industry would also assess the projects.

Compared with the total investment in science and technology at the 2008 Olympics, which reached 3.5 billion yuan, the investment of 544 million yuan accounted for only 15 percent.

It was proposed yesterday that more investment be put into projects concerning energy-saving, emission reduction and information.

The Expo site was also planning an index system including "zero emission," the utilization rate of green energy, the rate of waste water reuse and energy-saving rates based on the experience of the Beijing Olympics, the committee said. It was also proposed that a special Expo exhibition area be planned at next year's China International Industry Fair.

(Shanghai Daily October 30, 2008)