First zero-emission polar research station

The first zero-emission Antarctic base is Princess Elisabeth Base, located atop the Utsteinen Nunatak (a bare granite ridge) in Queen Maud Land, 190 km (118 mi) from the coast. It was built and is operated by the International Polar Foundation and owned by the Belgian government. The base's energy needs are met by renewable sources alone, with 380 m2 of photovoltaic solar panels, 22 m2 of thermal solar panels and an array of 9 wind turbines. The wind turbines generate 54 kWh per year, while the solar panels generate 50.6 kWh. This is more than enough to keep the station running smoothly with 25-40 researchers and staff. It was inaugurated on 15 February 2009.

The base is divided into two sections. The research crews live in the upper part of the station, which is perched on stilts above the Utsteinen Nunatak, while the equipment, vehicles and some research laboratories are located in a subterranean garage on the leeward side of the ridge. The habitation module underwent extensive aerodynamic testing to make sure it could withstand the gale-force winds that blow over the ridge. These same winds are also one of the major advantages of the site, however. While other stations have to be jacked up every season to keep them above the constantly rising snow levels, at the Utsteinen Nunatak, the snow is always being scoured away.

Antarctic research stations are generally only occupied by a skeleton crew during the winter, meaning that the loss of solar power during the period of 24-hour darkness is not an issue. The wind turbines are specially ruggedized designs, and can automatically shut down during exceptionally high winds.