CHINA’S Antarctica exploration team switched on a hybrid power supply system at the Qinling Station, Xinhua reported yesterday. Integrating wind, solar, hydrogen, and diesel power sources, the power system is the first of its kind on the icy, unforgiving continent.

According to China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team, the station features an outdoor 100 kW wind power generation system, 130 kW solar power generation system, 30 kW hydrogen energy system, 300 kWh low-temperature power storage system, a portion of the diesel power generation setup, as well as an indoor electric control system.

The hybrid system has been successfully connected to the grid and started to generate power continuously. This system is the most extensive new energy power generation system installed within China’s Antarctic research facilities, with solar and wind energy accounting for over 60% of the total energy output. This system is expected to help save more than 100 tons of fossil fuels annually.

In instances of no wind and sunlight, the system, with its stored-up power, can sustain the station’s power requirements for approximately 2.5 hours, with a peak load capacity of 150 kW. The fully functional hydrogen energy setup can provide uninterrupted power supply of 30 kW for up to 14 days during the polar nights. The Qinling Station, China’s fifth research outpost on the continent, commenced operations in February last year.

Prior to the establishment of the Qinling Station, China had set up four research bases in Antarctica over the past four decades, namely the Great Wall Station, the Zhongshan Station, the Kunlun Station, and the Taishan Station.(Xinhua)