After the worst forecast for Antarctica, this part of the world records an unprecedented discovery of… energy. The Antarctic continent stretches across the South Pole and is attached to it Antarctic Circle at 66º 33’S, except the Antarctic Peninsulawith which we come face to face in a northerly direction South America. With the signature of Antarctic Treaty of 1959the areas south of the 60º parallel to the South Pole They are relegated exclusively to carrying out scientific and technical actions that require energy for the production of electricity, heat and transport.
For its part, the Madrid Protocol of 1991 aims to provide greater protection to the environment of the Antarctic continent, in addition to its dependent or associated ecosystems. For this reason, primary sources must be sought for optimal water supply. These should have as little impact as possible, as the use of fossil fuels is associated with a large amount of polluting greenhouse gas emissions.
The energy that comes out Sol and wind is an alternative, but due to its intermittent nature, in addition to waste, several options can be considered to achieve a better use of these resources. In this context, the Department of Renewable Energy Research and Development (DIDER)belonging to Institute for Scientific and Technical Research for Defense (CITEDEF)concentrates its efforts on the deployment of hydrogen technologies, covering both their production and use.
Antarctica makes history: they find hydrogen on its territory
A group of Argentinian researchers created one experimental module to generate green hydrogen and electrical energy which will soon be in the Esperanza base, north of the Antarctic Peninsula. In addition to creating hydrogen, it aims to supply energy to a laboratory and test the capabilities of the technology to supply electricity to these facilities. Currently the electrical energy that needs its operation and the heating is generated by generators.
During the summer season, each base receives approximately 100,000 liters of diesel. If this experimental module manages to prove its effectiveness, it could become a useful tool to reduce this consumption, in addition to reducing the amount of fuel transported on ships and aircraft. The system consists of a wind turbine and solar panels that generate electricity from the hours of sunlight available in the area. Antarctica during the summer and the wind that is present all year round.
This electricity will be used for supply energy to a water electrolyzer and start producing green hydrogen. The surplus is removed to the range of electrical energy to an adjacent scientific laboratory. This way the laboratory receives and produces green energy. Maria José Lavorantegraduated Chemical and leader inside Citedef of the part of the project related to the production of H from the electrolysis of water, had a discussion with Telam about the subject.
“Somehow that laid the foundation for this new project, the objectives of which are to build and start up a self-sustaining laboratory,” he said.
They discover something unprecedented in Antarctica: energy locked in a historic laboratory
This device has alkaline technology and the Institute for Scientific and Technical Research for Defense (Citedef) has taken on the responsibility of building approximately 95% of the elements. “The volume of hydrogen obtained so far makes it possible to put a 500 W commercial fuel cell into operation; The advantage of this type of device is its modular nature, which allows multiple cells (modules) to be connected in series or parallel and increase hydrogen production. We must keep in mind that from a constructive point of view it is no small matter and that experience must be gained,” the specialist explains.
It should be noted that this hydrogen project is contextualized within the framework of the Self-sufficient renewable energy laboratory with green hydrogen productionconsisting of an interdisciplinary team of engineers, graduates and technicians from the Directorate General for Research and Development of the Argentine Army (DIGID-EA), Citedef, the Antarctic Joint Command (CoCoAntar) and the private company Dynterra (which decided to donate the vertical axis wind turbine integrated into the system).
“One or more responsible people from each group will travel to carry out the correct installation of all components of the system, in addition there is a group of three members who are intended for this Antarctic Campaignwho have already undergone theoretical-practical training on hydrogen, its extraction by electrolysis and important aspects related to safety,” he said.
As milestones of melting ice continue to appear in Antarctica, this group of experts hopes to set a precedent with an unprecedented discovery of energy on the Antarctic continent.