By Saadet Gokce
ISTANBUL (AA) — China’s hydrogen fuel cell has produced energy in Antarctica, becoming the world’s first hydrogen technology to operate in the region.
The fuel cell, created by a hydrogen energy technology company under China’s State Power Investment Corporation, is a key element of Beijing’s Qinling Station in Antarctica, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing China Science Daily.
The system includes a hydrogen storage tank with a capacity of 50 cubic meters. The cell is capable of providing continuous power to the station for up to 24 days, with a maximum output of 30 kilowatts when operating independently.
Due to the cell's scalability, it can produce between 50 kilowatts and tens of megawatts.
The technology significantly reduces carbon emissions, cutting nearly one kilogram of fossil fuels for every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced.
The hybrid power supply also ensures a stable energy supply by converting excess wind and solar energy into hydrogen for later use.
This significant development demonstrates that hydrogen fuel cell technology can be effectively used in extremely low-temperature environments, such as polar regions, and remains reliable under such conditions. It also sets a new standard for energy production in harsh environments.