China advances polar energy research with innovative green power system in Antarctica

China is set to launch its first large-scale clean energy system in China's research station in Arctica, marking a milestone in sustainable scientific research in extreme environments, as reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

The project, developed by the Polar Research Institute of China, is now in the final testing phase and is expected to be fully operational by February.

China’s Antarctic research base and its third permanent facility on the continent accommodate up to 80 researchers in the summer and 30 in the winter. The new energy system integrates wind and solar power, energy storage, and hydrogen-based technologies, with renewable sources accounting for 60 per cent of the station’s total energy capacity.

Sun Hongbin, chief scientist for polar clean energy at the institute, highlighted the project's pioneering role as the world’s first large-scale clean energy system designed for Antarctica’s extreme conditions. To ensure reliability, researchers conducted extensive simulations in a specialised laboratory, replicating polar climate factors such as strong winds, prolonged daylight, and seasonal darkness.

Once fully implemented, the system will enable the research station to maintain operations without wind or sunlight for approximately 2.5 hours, ensuring the continuity of scientific research and daily activities.

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