Project Background

Antarctica New Zealand (AntNZ) is the government agency responsible for New Zealand’s activities in Antarctica, with a vision to ensure the Antarctic region and the Southern Ocean are valued, protected, and understood. As part of their Scott Base Redevelopment (SBR) project, AntNZ is rebuilding Scott Base, New Zealand’s iconic research station on Ross Island. This ambitious project also includes upgrading the Ross Island Wind Energy (RIWE) system, which connects Scott Base, the Crater Hill Wind Farm, and the United States’ McMurdo Station.

Endless Energy, in partnership with ComAp and EIS, secured the contract to design and install a cutting-edge 10 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the Scott Base redevelopment. The BESS will connect to three new 1MW wind turbines and a new microgrid system between Scott Base, the Crater Hill Wind Farm, and the American-run McMurdo Station. These upgrades with provide the new Scott Base with more than 90% renewable energy.

We were thrilled to be selected in a highly competitive open contract bidding process that attracted only six bids worldwide. This recognition underscores our capability to deliver complex, high-capacity energy solutions in extreme environments.

Our solution requires a completely custom-built approach, as no off-the-shelf option was available. We are engineering and constructing bespoke battery housings from scratch to meet this project’s unique challenges, ensuring they can withstand Antarctica’s harsh conditions while delivering exceptional energy resilience.

Project Objectives

1. Deliver a High-Capacity, Resilient Energy Solution
   • Design and install a containerized BESS capable of operating in extreme Antarctic conditions.
   • Ensure compatibility with wind and diesel power sources for maximum energy efficiency.
2. Meet Stringent Client Requirements
   • Provide a user-friendly interface for AntNZ despite complex system functionalities.
   • Design for a 20-year + product lifecycle with minimal on-site maintenance.
   • Ensure comprehensive system redundancy for critical power delivery.
3. Overcome Extreme Environmental Challenges
   • Address the harsh Antarctic climate with temperatures dropping as low as -57°C.
   • Develop a modular system that can be transported easily and installed with minimal on-site labor.

Key Challenges

• Extreme Temperatures: Designing HVAC systems to maintain optimal temperatures for the battery system, even when external temperatures reach -57°C.
• Remote Location: Limited access to resources and personnel on-site, requiring a system that is reliable, self-sufficient, and easy to service.
• Complex Power Requirements: Integrating the BESS with wind turbines, diesel generators, and the microgrid to allow multiple modes of operation and ensure continuous power supply.
• System Redundancy & Monitoring: Implementing remote system monitoring, alarms, diagnostics, and repair capabilities to ensure uninterrupted power in a critical environment.

Our Solution

Endless Energy’s innovative solution includes:

1. Custom Engineered BESS Housing
   • Design: Five 40-foot containers housing the 10 MWh batteries & 2 MW inverters, featuring robust insulation and modular construction for easy transport and installation.
   • Auxiliary Systems: Integrated HVAC, power management, and building management systems tailored for extreme cold conditions.
2. Comprehensive Fire Safety & Electrical Systems
   • Fire Detection & Suppression: Systems seamlessly integrated with existing AntNZ fire safety protocols.
   • Electrical Protection: Advanced electrical schemes designed to coordinate with existing protective devices at Scott Base and McMurdo Station.
3. Seamless Integration & User Interface
   • Compatibility: BESS designed to operate alongside existing diesel and wind power sources, supporting up to 5 different operational modes.
   • Ease of Use: Despite the system’s complexity, we designed a simple user interface tailored to the needs of Antarctica New Zealand.
4. Sustainable and Efficient Energy Management
   • Zero Grid Dependency: The BESS supports off-grid operation, ensuring energy security for Scott Base even during harsh weather conditions.
   • Remote Monitoring: Enables AntNZ to monitor, diagnose, and repair systems remotely, minimizing the need for on-site intervention.

Project Impact

• Increased Energy Resilience: The BESS provides a robust backup solution, ensuring continuous power supply to critical research facilities at Scott Base.
• Enhanced Sustainability: By integrating with wind turbines and reducing reliance on diesel generators, the BESS contributes to a lower carbon footprint.
• Future-Proofed Infrastructure: Our solution is designed for longevity, meeting AntNZ’s requirement for a 20-year+ lifespan in one of the world’s harshest environments.

The Scott Base Redevelopment project showcases Endless Energy’s expertise in delivering cutting-edge, customized energy solutions. Our ability to design and implement bespoke systems tailored to complex client requirements has established us as a leader in innovative energy projects. By combining advanced technology with tailored engineering solutions, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, providing sustainable and resilient energy systems for unique and challenging projects.