Princess Elisabeth Antarctica: “Zero Emission” Objective Achieved
Posted on the 17.02.2010 by Alain Hubert
This is the big news for today: after successful completion of the final tests of all systems, the Princess Elisabeth Station now operates solely on renewable energies, achieving a major first. The official press release is available for download on the IPF website.
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A technical success
This world première was made possible by an innovative energy management system designed and implemented by Laborelec (GDF Suez), which rests on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), the "brain" of the station, developed by Schneider Electric.
At the end of this Antarctic summer season, a new satellite link in partnership with SAS Astra will grant remote access to the PLC. The Princess Elisabeth Station will then be monitored online. All its energy-related systems will be managed and adjusted remotely throughout the winter season.
Another perspective on energy consumption
Princess Elisabeth Antarctica thus proves that an alternative approach to energy consumption is possible by distributing available resources according to priorities, instead of endlessly supplying energy to meet an uncontrolled demand.
Achieving this milestone in energy management for Antarctic research stations has been made possible by the joint efforts of the International Polar Foundation, Laborelec-GDF Suez, Schneider Electric and several volunteers. Thanks to everyone, I am very proud of us all, working with you is a pleasure!
Princess Elisabeth Antarctica with the newly built sattelite dish
© International Polar Foundation / René Robert
