Princess Elisabeth Antarctica

The First "Zero Emission" Polar Research Station

For decades, Antarctica has been the home of science and an example for preservation governance. In the middle of this pristine environment, the International Polar Foundation signed the return of Belgium on the continent with the first ever “zero emission” station: the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica.

Latest News

Erik Verhagen, PEA station engineer - IPF

Life as an Engineer at PEA

Erik Verhagen has already been working as an engineer at PEA for two seasons. He gives us a glimpse into his daily life as station engineer and some of the ...

Replacing the batteries - International Polar Foundation

Replacing the Batteries

One of our priorities this season was to replace the station's 192 batteries of the station, which store the energy produced by the solar panels and windmills. These new batteries will ...

Mechanics at work - International Polar Foundation

Being an Antarctic Operator

Being in Antarctica for four months, you get to see and do amazing things. Sometimes, you even think you are on another planet! But behind the scenes, there are an ...

News archives

Latest Pictures & Video

A small heliport has been set up near the station, in a place that's as protected from strong winds as possible. - International Polar Foundation

- 14 Pictures

Helicopters at Work

The BGR scientists, who are investigating the geological history of the region during the formation and break-up of the Gondwana Supercontinent, came with two helicopters this year. We couldn't wait ...

Gallery archives

Installing VHF Antennae and Repeaters

In order to have communications between the station and teams in the field using VHF radio, repeaters and antennae have to be installed at critical locations (route to coast, route ...

Video archives

One Project, Multiple Dimensions

The Construction

Various seasons of planning and two seasons of building were needed for the Princess Elisabeth Station to become entirely operational and welcome its first scientists. From 2004 onwards, follow the history of the station as it unfolds.

Construction Steps

Zero Emission

Although not relying on any "new" technologies to function, the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica is a puzzle that took existing parts and reassembled them in an innovative way. As a prototype, the station is subjected to constant evolution and perpetual improvements to its efficiency, autonomy, and equipments.

Zero Emission Station

Polar Science

The Princess Elisabeth Station located in a little explored area of the continent. A new station in a vastly unexplored region, Princess Elisabeth Antarctica provides scientists with the necessary support to conduct their research in the best conditions possible.

A Scientific Platform

Educational Resources

The International Polar Foundation aims at improving knowledge of the Polar Regions and the consequences of climate change. We believe that a better-informed person will be able to make better-informed choice, which is why a wide variety of educational tools are available for free on our educational website.

EducaPoles website