The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has installed and activated two solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems in Antarctica as part of our commitment to reach net zero by 2040.
Bird Island research station
The solar photovoltaic and energy storage system installed on Bird Island research station was the culmination of a five-year project and three Antarctic summer seasons of work on the island. The system comprises 268 solar panels of 99.16kWp that cover all station roofs, and an energy storage system of lithium iron batteries of 277kWh nominal capacity.
The batteries reside in a new battery storage building purposely built as part of the project. The panels can provide most of the station's power demand during the summer, reducing the need for the station generators, while excess solar power is stored in the batteries for the dark hours.
Overall, this solar energy system is expected to reduce fuel use and carbon emissions on the station by 50% annually, with direct carbon savings of at least 50 tCO2e. A reduced demand of refuelling the station will lead to wider carbon reduction from ship operations.
Commissioned in January 2025 this project was completed on schedule with great success. This was despite the challenges of operating in a difficult environment, where severe weather limited use of vehicles due to the station's remoteness. All building roofs also needed significant strengthening so the solar panels could be installed.
Sky Blu runway
To further decarbonise our work in Antarctica the BAS's Electronics Engineering team designed and installed a second solar and energy storage system at Sky Blu runway during the 2024/25 summer season. Situated in Eastern Ellsworth land, this camp is only open during the summer months when Antarctica receives maximum hours of daylight. Comprising 6 * 300Wp solar panels and four battery boxes (each containing two 100Ah lead acid batteries), the system sits on an aluminium "A" frame that can be easily set up and modified, even in severe weather conditions at the site.
Each side of the frame accommodates three solar panels, three facing north and three south to generate a better average power during the day. Currently the system provides 24/7 power for essential radio communication systems; an iridium handset, Starlink internet and a laptop which is constantly plugged in and ready for use. As using fuel at SkyBlu is 140% more carbon intensive compared to less remote areas in Antarctica such as Rothera Research Station, the carbon saving potential for this system is highly significant. The system can also generate more power than is needed by the communications system, giving us opportunities to further reduce fuel and carbon emissions. The system can be easily packed away and stored during winter for protection.
Nopi Exizidou, Head of Net Zero Transition says:
It's incredible to see how far we've come in the last few years. In spite of all the challenges of working in a difficult environment and in a context where it is difficult to decarbonise, we've reached another milestone in our journey towards net zero.
Peter Smith, Head of Polar Estates says:
This has been a huge achievement for the BAS Polar Estates Team. It's been amazing to see this project as it developed from initial design to powering Bird Island station.
