Renewable energy
Australian scientists and engineers have long sought to harness natural energies to fuel our Antarctic stations and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Sir Douglas Mawson recognised the potential for wind-generated power in Antarctica early this century, an interest perpetuated by ANARE since the establishment of a station on Heard Island in 1949.
Experiments there, and later at Mawson during the 1960s, demonstrated the potential of wind power. However, the combined effects of strong, gusty winds, abrasion produced by the impact of snow particles, and prolonged freezing temperatures, have consistently posed a challenge for the development of reliable technology.
Attempt to generate wind powered energy on Heard Is in 1949
Photo: AAD | |
One of two wind turbines operating at Mawson in 2005-06
Photo: D. McVeigh | |
Remote area power supply (wind and solar) at Macquarie is field hut Photo: AAD | |
The AAD has now established two wind turbines at Mawson, which can provide up to 90% of the station's energy requirements, and is currently undertaking a hydrogen demonstration project.
At the height of summer, Antarctica experiences 24 hours of daylight, a valuable source of renewable energy.
The AAD has used solar power for a number of years to power automatic weather stations, VHF repeaters to extend communication coverage, and in some cases, to provide energy for field huts. An innovative project to provide solar powered hot water at Davis during the summer months has also proven to be very successful.
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