There is a continent on Earth that has no permanent human residents. It is one of the most peaceful places on Earth, as the continent is entirely dedicated to science, thus regularly homing a rotating population of researchers and support staff. Beyond its harsh conditions, an Antarctic discovery has been made, revealing something that has been frozen for millions of years. Thanks to Germany, this discovery will rewrite history and change the course of the renewable energy industry forever.

Changing the course of the renewable industry forever

Antarctica is a unique and pristine location, playing a vital role in scientific research. It has served as a natural laboratory for many scientists and researchers over the years, and according National Academies, has significantly contributed to the following:

Climate change studies and global effects
Knowledge of Earth’s systems and history
Space weather and astronomy research

To conduct the required research, power is needed for the equipment, such as generators, engines, and heaters. Unfortunately, these have primarily relied on fossil fuels delivered by ship, such as petroleum, and thus significantly contribute to global warming. According to Farmingdale-Observer.com, other disadvantages include:

High economic expenses
Air pollution
Water pollution from spills
Threats to a sensitive ecosystem

A research team from the Universities of Universities of Heidelberg and Ulm, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has discovered a new approach to generate clean power at the South Pole that will change the course of the renewable industry forever. This is Germany’s Antarctic discovery.

Germany reveals an Antarctic discovery

The German research team discovered a new method for producing a resource using the sun that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. Their findings were published in Energy & Environmental Science. According to the environmental physicist, Kira Rehfeld, from Heidelberg University:

“It’s always light in summer. This solar radiation could actually be used to supply the research infrastructure with energy.”

The team revealed their new method to produce the world’s most mysterious energy resource. This resource will be solar hydrogen, which will not only decrease the reliance on fossil fuels for local research stations but could also be the foundation for other remote areas with similar harsh climates.

The most promising approach

The team utilized semiconductor materials that can split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen by utilizing only solar energy, even in harsh, cold conditions. A thermally coupled system, in which the photovoltaic module is in proximity to the wall of the electrolysis tank, enhances thermal diffusion. This resulted in stable, sustainable, and efficient solar hydrogen production.

Making the South Pole green

According to an analysis by the US Department of Energy, this transition to power the part of the Amundsen-Scott station at the South Pole with renewables will save nearly $57 million over 15 years. The initial investment would only be $9.7 million, with a payback over two years. In the South Pole, carbon emissions will be significantly reduced, as well as associated pollution dangers.

“Therefore, in the next phase we want to test prototypes under realistic conditions. That will certainly be exciting and we are currently looking for partners for this.” – May, then a postdoc at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin Institute for Solar Fuels

This major Antarctic discovery has potentially paved the way to harnessing solar hydrogen in other harsh regions, not only playing a crucial role in lowering the carbon footprints in those regions, but also in the global transition to renewable energy sources. Soon, this new hydrogen type will rewrite history, especially as new advances are made in its technologies and applications. We should start saying goodbye to fossil fuels and start saying hello to a more sustainable, green future.