First zero emission research station

The Challenge

The Belgian Federal Government commissioned the International Polar Foundation to build a carbon zero research station in Antarctica.  The International Polar Foundation communicates and educates on Polar research as a way to understand key environmental and climate mechanisms.  Twenty scientists will be based at the station which aims to provide valuable environmental data and inform the world about climate change and its consequences.
The remote location of the station coupled with the carbon zero policy dictated the energy production choice must be efficient and sustainable.  The harsh weather conditions added to the challenge of finding a robust and reliable
power solution.  Previously, diesel generators would have been deployed to meet electricity needs in such isolated and weather influenced parts of the world. However the pollution associated with these machines contradicts the whole objective of the International Polar Foundation.

The Solution

With temperatures dropping to -60°C, the research team had to be confident that 230V electricity would be available for the heating, lights, communication lines, computers and scientific equipment.  By taking advantage of the katabolic winds, (averaging 40m/s during winter with peaks of 90 m/s) 48kW of cumulative power was provided by eight Proven Energy turbines.  Each of the robust Proven 11 wind turbine has the endurance to withstand extreme temperatures and will continue to provide reliable power in the windiest, iciest continent on earth.