Cold climate energy production

Abstract

Utilization of wind and solar energy at permanent and temporary polar research stations is reviewed in light of the ongoing search for a diesel fuel replacement. Renewable energy sources are available that can help to reduce the need to transport and handle bulk fossil fuels in remote and extreme cold climate regions. Fundamental concepts that underpin these technologies are described, and some of the strategies devised to meet the physical and logistical challenges of cold climate operations are outlined. Factors that limit the penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources are discussed, and the evolution of wind-thermal devices is examined in the context of producing year-round heat and power.