Re: wind power to supply the arctic base
The BAS base at King Edward Point, South Georgia has a wind generator linked up to a bank of batteries. When I was there in 2002-3 it spent most of its time out of action, I think because of cracks in the structure. When it worked it was quite effective but put out a lot of heat as dumped energy when the wind was strong (as it very often was!). However, it only supplied enough electricity to power one building.
Interestingly, the old whaling station across the bay at Grytviken got its electricity supply from hydroelectric power from a dammed lake (Gull Lake) - and this was 100-odd years ago! I believe that the South Georgia Government may be considering putting in a modern hydroelectric scheme which would power the entire BAS base and government officer's house etc, cutting down the need for fuel to be shipped in.
Sue
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(Doc at South Georgia 2002-2003 & RRS Ernest Shackleton 2003-2004, Project Assistant at Port Lockroy 2004-2005)
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