Using clean energy in Antarctica

The Belgian research station in Antarctica, which has been operating since February 15, is welcomed by the scientific community because it works entirely with wind and solar energy. The Princess Elisabeth station with eight wind turbines and over 400m of ² solar panels will ensure energy for this five-story building.

In addition, the station is designed to save maximum energy and biotechnology, such as microbiology and decomposition, will help scientists reuse wastewater five times.

Elisabeth station is the result of more than two years of construction in harsh conditions, costing about 28 million USD.

' If we can build a station like this in Antarctica, we can do it anywhere. We have the ability, the technology and the knowledge to change the world , 'said project manager Alain Hubert. Previously, the use of green energy in the polar regions was impossible.

The arrival of Elisabeth station sent a strong message about the environment, in the context of many countries seeking alternative sources of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If scientists do not cut greenhouse gas emissions, the Earth's temperature could reach the highest level in the past 3 million years.

First research station to use clean energy in Antarctica (Photo: IPF)