| Summary: | The factors underpinning the human presence in Antarctica and embodied under the Antarctic Treaty, is one of "peace" and "science." The continuing presence of Antarctic researchers is both a great opportunity for collective scientific endeavours, but also a strain upon the ecosystem. One of the most strident goals of the Australian Antarctic Division has been to minimise their impacts in Antarctica, whilst maintaining a strong research presence. This too has been a goal of the Argentinean Antarctic Program, the Direccion Nacional del Antarctico. Under the auspices of the Treaty both States have looked to ways in which their presence can be maintained, but with a lesser impact on the environment. The extreme conditions in Antarctica warrant life support systems with an emphasis on heating, transportation and providing electrical generation for station scientific activities. The expenses associated with providing diesel fuel to stations and the impacts these fuels may have if spilled or improperly managed are environmentally severe. The impacts of these conditions and the 1991 Environmental Protocol to the Treaty have forced innovation in how stations operate. Both Antarctic Programs have made considerable moves towards alternative energy sources; trialing hydrogen, wind and solar technologies. The AAD have been at the forefront of the use of wind turbine technology in Antarctica. The Mawson Wind Project was the first large-scale project of its kind in Antarctica. Emulated by both the United States and New Zealand at McMurdo and Scott Stations. The Mawson project to date has been successful in achieving a consistent supply of energy. Maintenance and engineering issues require d for the Antarctic conditions do not significantly limit the turbines operations. With considerable preparation and feasibility studies the project can b e replicated at other stations. Though the conditions of these stations are important and further plans for turbine construction are significantly influenced by cost. Solar photovoltaic has been constructed to a lesser degree, but are plagued by seasonal issues. During winter there are a couple of weeks where the sun does not rise, though throughout the summer months and during late December there is 24 hour sunlight. This allows great use for solar technologies in the peak station season throughout summer. However for a permanent station, the gains are lost throughout the winter. Hydrogen is another alternative that is unique compared to other technologies in that it is an energy carrying system. To be truly renewable it must be generated via solar or wind sources. This is one of the primary flaws with the technology in its present form, with energy chain issues resulting in inefficiency. Trialed by the AAD and in early trial stages with the DNA, both are the only known countries to h ave used this technology in Antarctica. The AAD has reported the technology won't be pursued further, due to the outcome of the trial. The increasing role of renewable technology in Antarctica will drive new approaches in energy management. Despite the difficulties of distance the stations of Argentina and Australia (See Appendices 1), there is a strong case for further renewable projects by both Australia and Argentina. The technology mix that can be used is crucially dependent on the particular station and will prove, along with funding, as the most significant hurdle. Furthermore, the operative success and faults of newly adopted technologies warrants information sharing among both countries Antarctic programs. The COMNAP mechanism already providing detailed information on stations and cooperation regarding areas such as search and rescue is the best means of achieving this; along with direct dialogue.
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