On March 1, China's "Hydroteng" fuel cell successfully generated electricity in Antarctica, marking the world's first application of hydrogen energy technology in the extreme conditions of the continent.
Original by NLS
On March 1, China's "Hydroteng" fuel cell successfully generated electricity in Antarctica, marking the world's first application of hydrogen energy technology in the extreme conditions of the continent. The breakthrough, announced by the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) Hydrogen Energy Technology Development Co., Ltd., demonstrates the reliability of hydrogen fuel cells in subzero environments. It also fills a critical gap in Antarctica’s energy infrastructure and provides a model for energy solutions and microgrid development in polar and other harsh, low-temperature regions.
The Qinling Station, China’s fifth and first year-round Antarctic research station, is located at 74°56′S, 163°42′E, with a total building area of 5,244 square meters. Situated in one of the most extreme climate zones on the continent, the station requires a highly resilient energy system. Given hydrogen’s strong adaptability to low temperatures, an integrated "wind-solar-hydrogen-storage-load" energy system has been developed as an optimal solution for such harsh environments.
As a key component of the microgrid, the "Hydroteng" fuel cell plays a dual role, serving both as an energy storage solution and a distributed energy source. When wind and solar conditions are favorable, excess electricity is used to produce and store hydrogen. During periods of low renewable energy generation, hydrogen fuel cells convert the stored hydrogen into both electricity and heat. The system can provide up to 150 kW of power for approximately 2.5 hours, ensuring stable energy supply for the station.