New Antarctic wind farm endures harsh climate

The International Polar Foundation on Sunday plans to inaugurate the first polar base to be powered by wind turbines.

Eight turbines are already operating in Antarctica in preparation for the launch of Belgium's Princess Elizabeth Station. The turbines are expected to provide 230 volts of electricity for the station's heating, computers, lights and scientific instruments.

The station is expected to allow 20 scientists from Belgium and other nations to carry out research on climate change (see Proven Energy to power Antarctic station with wind).

Polar bases typically use electricity from diesel generators. The Princess Elisabeth Station is using solar thermal technology to melt snow and supply water, as well as photovoltaic panels to provide electricity. It's expected to be the only polar base in the world to operate completely on renewable energy.

See the wind farm here »

Scotland-based small wind turbine manufacturer Proven Energy manufactured the 6-kilowatt turbines, which are designed to withstand temperatures of -60 degrees Celsius and winds of over 90 meters per second—conditions typically thought to be too harsh for wind farms. The average wind speed there is 53 miles per hour, with gusts over 200 mph. The company says its turbines have also weathered ice storms in Slovenia and typhoons in Japan.

The Princess Elisabeth Station also incorporates energy efficient building materials and new waste management techniques.

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