Why use wind power?

Through wind power and other alternative energies, Antarctic operations will be more environmentally sound and cost effective.

Refuelling is always a hazardous operation Photo: J. Wilson

Refuelling Macquarie Island is challenging Photo: F. Olivier

Wind power has low environmental impact Photo: AAD

Transporting fuel and oil to Antarctica is a costly and sometimes risky exercise. Fuel spills have occurred on occasions. The particular difficulties in getting fuel ashore at Macquarie Island further increase the motivation for using wind power. Before the introduction of renewable energy systems, Australian stations required 2.1 megalitres of diesel fuel annually to provide power and heating. Burning this fuel produced around 5,500 tonnes of CO 2 into the pristine Antarctic environment.

At Macquarie Island, an 80 kW wind turbine could provide 40% of the station load and pay for itself within two years. The costs of powering our other stations will be similarly reduced with the introduction of wind energy.

When alternative energy systems are introduced we expect:

• large scale reductions in the emission of greenhouse gases
• reduced risks of oil spills and damage to the environment
• significant reduction in the direct cost of power generation
• increased efficiency of station operations due to the ability to automate more processes, which will result in a reduction of staffing levels

See also:

• Blizzard winds to power Australian Antarctic station