More and more renewable sources are being used at the Italian Mario Zucchelli base in Antarctica, where clean energy accounted for more than 20% of electricity usage during the 39th research expedition, which recently concluded. The outcome was made possible by the extension of a photovoltaic system capable of "capturing" solar radiation available 24 hours a day throughout the austral summer, as well as the optimization of a wind farm capable of converting katabatic winds, which are among the most powerful on the world, into energy. The Mario Zucchelli station, located in the coastal area of Baia Terra Nova, is open every year from mid-October until mid-February. It provides lodging and logistical assistance to researchers operating in remote regions or in transit to the Italian-French stations Concordia and Dumont D'Urville, accommodating an average of ninety individuals. The station's average annual energy needs is projected to be around 500 MWh, which will require approximately 150 cubic meters of fossil fuel. For several years, the Mario Zucchelli station has been on an energy transition path to improve the sustainability of its energy supply.
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