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.

What makes Antarctica a good place to store energy?

A room full of classic lead-acid batteries enables the station to store energy for times when demands exceeds the current energy production. While the renewable energy systems that power the station are reliable and continuously checked, even in the harsh conditions of Antarctica, two generators were installed for security and backup.

Are green energy sources constant in Antarctica?

Green energy sources are usually not constant, especially in Antarctica. Because the station cannot endlessly create energy to meet an uncontrolled demand, all station's inhabitants have to adapt their demand to the quantity of available energy. A central computer monitors available energy and distributes it according to a set of strict rules.

Can wind turbines power Antarctica?

When Frank Sinatra crooned “If I can it make here, I can make it anywhere,” he probably didn’t have Antarctica in mind, but the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station in East Antarctica proves that renewable energy from wind turbines and solar panels can power a community with zero emissions electricity anywhere in the world.

What challenges do solar and wind systems face in Antarctica?

The extreme weather conditions and complex logistics of Antarctica put both solar and wind systems under huge stress, which generates operational, technological and budgetary challenges that are also explored in this work. Percentage of total energy consumption covered by renewable energy sources in Antarctic facilities.

How many layers of insulation are there in Antarctica?

Nine layers of cladding and insulation keep the biting Antarctic cold out, and the pleasant warmth of the station in. Every piece of electrical equipment runs on renewable energy. Even my hair dryer is powered by the almost constant Antarctic winds and summer daylight.