Assessment of the wind power potential at SANAE IV base, Antarctica:: a technical and economic feasibility study

This paper presents a study for the utilization of wind energy at the South African research station, SANAE IV, in Antarctica (71degrees40' S 2degrees 50' W). A procedure to evaluate the feasibility of utilising wind power for Antarctic stations is given. The analysis is based on the technical and economic aspects of installing and operating a wind turbine at remote locations. Special attention has been given to conditions encountered at Antarctica, like site accessibility, low temperatures, icing and snow, long transportation distances and environmental issues. The aspect of externalities is incorporated into the economic analysis. The Northern Power Systems NW100/19 wind turbine is found to be the best-suited wind turbine for use at SANAE IV, given the harsh climatic conditions, like frequent windstorms and extreme temperatures. The wind turbine features a yearly energy output of 430 MWh with a capacity factor of 0.49, at a mean wind speed of 10.8 m/s. The study shows that a wind turbine installation at SANAE IV is an attractive solution to reduce fuel consumption and therefore emissions of the diesel electric generators considerably. The use of a wind turbine at SANAE IV could lead to a savings in externalities of about R 110 000, -per annum. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.