Energy management

Although fossil fuel is essential for the production of potable water, heating, light and power at our stations, we are always seeking new ways to lessen our dependence on it.

Where possible, we maximise energy efficiencies in many areas such as through cogeneration and an automated building monitoring and control system (BMCS) to control heating and lighting. At Mawson, we also harness natural wind energy which makes a significant contribution to the station's energy requirements. 

The station cogeneration systems heat the station buildings and also produce domestic hot water from waste heat for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

Mawson station wind turbine with sunset background
One of two Mawson wind turbines at sunset
Photo: Jim Milne
Melt bell suspended over new melt hole
Lowering melt bell into ice to produce potable water
Photo: Ewan Curtis
Expeditioner with snowy eyebrows and lashes
Power for heating is a matter of life or death in Antarctica
Photo: Tom Luttrell

Discover more about the ways in which the AAD is achieving a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through these web pages.

For live information on power use and generation see also:

 

This page was last modified on June 29, 2011.