Antarctic Bases Switch to Renewable Energy

Although it's very difficult to set up renewable energy-producing units in the very harsh conditions of Antarctica, most bases on the southern continent do it nonetheless, in an attempt to rid at least this part of the world of the dangerous effects of greenhouse gases (GHG), the main trigger of climate change and global warming. Wind turbines and solar panels, which are mounted in various positions to take advantage of the little sunshine that falls on the land, are among the favorite ways to do this.

Wind turbines, however, are a bit more efficient, as powerful winds in the region can rotate them across the day, sometimes at very high speeds. In addition to producing electricity for the scientists working in the Antarctic, these installations also provide manufacturers with very thorough test results, as they get to place their machines in the harshest climate on the planet.

"Antarctica is the windiest place on earth, the coldest place on the earth, the driest place on earth. It's quite a test for materials. It's still slightly experimental." British Rothera base engineer Andy Binney, who is currently installing an array of solar thermal panels on the roof of his base, explains. The set that he is installing costs in the vicinity of $11,600, and is designed to offer heat to both water and air for the entire compound located at Rothera, on the continent's peninsula.

"Australia is the first country to obtain a significant electricity supply for its Antarctic stations fueled by the most powerful winds on the planet," the Australian Antarctic Division, which has been operating two 300 megawatt wind turbines at its Mawson station since as early as 2003, boasts.

Although the sun rarely shines on the region, in the summer it filters through the clouds, and reaches the ice, from which if reflects powerfully, filling the arrays with energy. For instance, in the British-run Rothera base, the large amount of panels, valued at around $58,000, is estimated to save the place approximately 1,000 liters of fuel per year, and produces some 15 kilowatts of electricity.

New Zealand's Scott Base will benefit from a brand new wind farm, which is currently being constructed by the state-owned Meridian company. "The project will cut consumption by approximately 463,000 liters of fuel every year between the two bases, initially reducing fuel consumption by 11 percent," a spokesman for Meridian says.