The Potential for Solar Power at Scott Base

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Science
Degree name
Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
English
Date
2015
Authors
Arnold, Marcus
Abstract

Antarctica is the most remote continent on earth, with only 4000 people there in the summer months. Despite the lack of people, energy demand is extremely high. The Antarctic Treaty System encourages the use of renewable energy, and forms such as wind and solar energy are reasonably common in Antarctica. As New Zealand is a leader in sustainability and ethical operations in the Antarctic, an investigation into the use of solar energy (photovoltaic system) was undertaken. It was found that by implementing 408, 130 Watt photovoltaic panels, up to 46.5 Mega-Watt hours could be produced at Scott Base from September-March. Whilst this is a substantial amount of energy, wind turbines are a more feasible option due to ground space requirements and increased energy production. A small investigation into the use of photovoltaic systems at Cape Bird was undertaken. It was found that photovoltaic systems are a very feasible option for field camps and should be investigated further. It is recommended that investigations are undertaken to determine the feasibility of solar thermal and solar hot water systems at Scott Base.

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Citation
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Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
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All Rights Reserved