Chinese scientists manage large-scale green energy system in Antarctica
Qinling Station, China’s Fifth Research Center in Antarctica, has started the implementation of the system Hybrid clean energy It combines wind, solar, hydrogen, and diesel power. This facility was inaugurated in February 2024 and became the first large-scale renewable energy plant project to operate in the South Pole region.
60% of energy needs are supplied from renewable sources
The sustainable energy system now supplies approx 60 Percent of Electricity Needs for station operations managed by Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC). With this, it is hoped that the consumption of fossil fuels can be reduced to 100 tons per year.
Qinling station is equipped with:
wind turbine capacity of 100 kW
solar panels 130 kW
Hydrogen power generator 30 kW
Cold pressurized battery 300 kWh
Energy Transitions in Antarctica
According to Sun Hongbin, polar energy expert and Chancellor of the Taiyuan University of Technology, this initiative is a real step in the transition from fossil energy to sustainable energy for expeditions in the Antarctic region.
“This is an important milestone in the reduction of fossil fuels as well as the protection of the fragile Antarctic ecosystem,” Sun said. Between.
This project was developed through a series of laboratory simulation, field trials, and Direct testing (on-site) at the Polar Research Laboratory of the Taiyuan University of Technology.
Endurance test in extreme conditions
The laboratory is designed to simulate the typical extreme conditions of Antarctica, such as temperature -50°C and the wind speed reaches 60 meters per second. In addition, a special room is also built to imitate artificial snow storms.
“Extreme temperatures and strong winds are a major challenge. This test improves the durability and safety of equipment,” he said. Dou Yinke, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Personnel, Taiyuan University of Technology.
Energy support system in dark conditions
To overcome the challenge during long nights without sunlight and wind, scientists managed to develop an energy support system capable of supporting peak loads 150 kW for 2.5 hours. In addition, the hydrogen unit is also capable of supplying sustainable power of 30 kW for two weeks, especially at night.
Important milestone at the South Pole
Despite having encountered some technical problems, the achievement of Qinling Station located in The south side of the island unexpectedly, the eastern region of Antarctica, considered very important. This mixed energy system is a reference in an effort to realize strong clean power technology for extreme environments such as the South Pole.
