Wind power on the way!

14 February 2003

First wind turbine completed at Mawson 7 February 2003. Photo P. Magill

The generation of renewable wind energy at Mawson drew one step closer this week with the erection of the first large scale wind turbine in Antarctica.

Hauling the wind turbine parts to the construction site by sledge. February 2003. Photo P. Magill

After overcoming a number of difficulties associated with moving the heavy tower sections from the wharf area to the site, the crew at Mawson successfully lifted the various sections into place on Thursday 6th and completed the task on Friday 7th February.

Blades of wind turbine being transported to the construction site. February 2003. Photo P. Magill

The electrical connection of the turbine to the station power network, and the commissioning of the turbine has been keeping the crew busy since that time.

Erecting the wind turbine blades at Mawson. February 2003. Photo P. Magill

The Mawson wind turbine system will rank among the world's most innovative, and will provide nearly a megawatt of renewable power to the station. Australia will be the first country to obtain a significant electricity supply for its Antarctic stations fuelled by the most powerful winds on the planet, which have been recorded as blowing up to 250 km per hour.

The wind turbine system should produce at least 70% of the station's needs and so greatly reduce dependence on fossil fuels.