Assessing Wind Energy Potential and Wind-Induced Risks at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station
Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL
Lay summary
The Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research (PE) station is the first ever “zero emission” research station located in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Located on the Utsteinen Nunatak ridge line, the station is accompanied by several small wind turbines, which are combined with solar panels and a large battery to power the station throughout its four-month operation time during the Antarctic summer.
Due to the success of the PE station, the International Polar Foundation (IPF) and the Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences (CRYOS) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), have joined forces to study the wind on Antarctica in a unique way: by using a wind-Doppler LiDAR.
This LiDAR system can measure wind remotely up to 300 m above the ground using laser light that bounces off aerosols in the air (such as snow, dust, water vapour, etc.). Additionally, the data obtained from this powerful source will be combined with data from weather stations that have been measuring for several years around the PE station, and weather models that have been trying to predict the weather in Antarctica for several years. By combining these data sources, the project partners aim to improve the numerical weather predictions in the region.
This will serve as a great source for analysing the best locations for new wind turbines to be constructed at the PE station, as well as gain a better understanding of the powerful katabatic winds which can disturb and endanger scientific field operations around the PE station.
Details
| Regional focus | Antarctic |
| Location | Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station, Antarctica |
| Funded amount | 20,000 CHF |
| Project dates | 10th November 2023 – 31st January 2024 |
| Category | Polar Access Fund |