China is making waves 🌊 in the fight against climate change with the upcoming launch of the first large-scale green energy system at its Qinling Station in Antarctica. This milestone, announced by the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC), marks a significant step in sustainable scientific research in one of the planet's most extreme environments.
The Qinling Station, China's fifth research base in Antarctica, can operate year-round, supporting up to 80 personnel in the summer and 30 during the harsh winter months. This new energy system integrates wind power, solar photovoltaics, energy storage batteries, hydrogen production and storage, and hydrogen energy power generation. With photovoltaic and wind power making up 60% of the station's total energy capacity, it's a game-changer for sustainable operations. ⚡🌞
“One of the major highlights in the Qinling Station project is its large-scale clean energy system, the first of its kind globally to be implemented in the extreme environment of Antarctica,” said Sun Hongbin, chief scientist for polar clean energy at PRIC. 🧪
To ensure the system can withstand the harsh Antarctic conditions, PRIC built a specialized laboratory in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, to simulate strong winds, polar sunlight, and the unique day-night cycles of the region. 🔬🧊
Once fully operational, the clean energy system will provide power to the Qinling Station for about 2.5 hours even without wind and sunlight, ensuring that scientific equipment and living facilities remain functional and environmentally friendly. This innovative approach not only supports China's research missions but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices in polar exploration. 🌐💡
Reference(s):
China achieves green scientific research in the polar energy field
cgtn.com
