A Sustainable Boost - Hydrogen Production at PEA

On December 24th, 2024, the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station celebrated the inauguration of its new hydrogen production facilities, a major milestone for sustainable operations in Antarctica. Developed by engineers Mathilde Renard and Nicolas Herinckx, the system produces hydrogen that can be used for essential tasks such as filling radiosonde weather balloons for atmospheric observations.

The inauguration, led by BELARE team leader Alain Hubert and the IPF engineering team, gathered everyone at the station on Christmas Eve to witness the first balloon launch using locally produced hydrogen. This achievement not only enhances the station’s scientific capabilities but also demonstrates a step forward in clean, renewable energy solutions for polar research.