Will hydrogen fuel cells be used in Antarctica?

In the future, the station's engineering team plans to install hydrogen fuel cells as an additional intermediary backup system. Two of the most omnipresent features of Antarctic weather (during the Austral summer) are the wind and the sun. Two renewable sources that provide free energy to the “zero emission” Princess Elisabeth Antarctica.

What is a hybrid energy system in Antarctica?

Many national Antarctic programmes (NAPs) have adopted hybrid systems combining fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, with a preference for solar or wind depending on the specific location of the research station and previous experiences with certain technologies.

Can renewable electricity be used in Antarctica?

Several renewable electricity generation technologies that have proven effective for use in the Antarctic environment are described. as well as those that are currently in use. Finally, the paper summarizes the major lessons learned to support future projects and close the knowledge gap.

How do wind and solar power contribute to the Antarctic Program?

Today, wind power and solar power both contribute to the Australian Antarctic Program’s energy needs. This content was last updated 4 years ago 16 November 2020. Harnessing natural energies can fuel our Antarctic stations and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Can natural energy fuel Antarctica?

Harnessing natural energies can fuel our Antarctic stations and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Moon over the Mawson wind turbine. Photo: Warren Arnold Transporting fuel and oil to Antarctica is a costly and sometimes risky exercise.

Are there alternative energy sources in Antarctica?

Interest in alternative energy sources in Antarctica has increased since the beginning of the 1990s [1, 6]. In 1991, a wind turbine was installed at the German Neumayer Station . One year later, in 1992, NASA and the US Antarctic Program tested a photovoltaic (PV) installation for a field camp .