Zero-emission, energy self sufficient Antarctic base Belgium
opened a new 20 million Euro zero emissions polar science
station in Antarctica on Sunday, returning to the continent to
study climate change 42 years after closing its first base
there. The Princess Elisabeth research hub is totally energy
self-sufficient and also aims not to emit any carbon dioxide
emissions, according to the Belgian-based International Polar
Foundation that runs the base. The octagonal, spaceship-like
base sits on stilts on a ridge a few kilometres north of the
Soer Rondane Mountains. It will focus on analyzing nearby deep
ice shelves. The station's roof is covered by solar panels,
designed to provide part of the energy needed to run the
isolated post. Other energy sources will come from large wind
turbines. The six kilowatt Scottish manufactured small wind
turbines are designed to operate in average winds of 53mph, but
have been proven to withstand temperatures of -60 degrees
Celsius and wind gusts of over 200mph. The high winds