The SPIKE Center for Sustainable Education hosts 'Live from Antarctica 2.0'!
The SPIKE Center for Sustainable Education hosted 'Live from Antarctica 2.0' on January 15, 2026 via zoom and with a watch party at the University of Colorado Boulder.Ìý
This was a special webinar in coordination with the International Polar Foundation that provided a unique opportunity to learn about the many sustainable aspects of the first and to date only zero emission polar research station 'The Princess Elisabeth Antarctica' from the people on site operating the smart grid and various systems. Leading scientists presented insights about research projects taking place this field season.Ìý
First, the session focused on dimensions of sustainability and renewable energy at the research station:ÌýÌý
- Henri Robert (Science Liaison Officer at the IPF) set the scene, sharing the history of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica (PEA) and BELARE (BelgianAntarctic Research Expedition).ÌýÌý
- Benoit Hellebuyck (System Engineer at PEA) presented information about renewable energy as well as Hydrogen production and storage at PEA and applications for other remote locationsÌý
- Adrien Brogniet (IT specialist at PEA) then discussed the station's smart grid, and how the team allocates energy autonomously and sparingly when needed for research and survival activities.ÌýÌý
- Aymar de Lichtervelde (System engineer at PEA) then shared the sustainable nature of the PEA custom water treatment system and complete life cycle of H2O at PEA.Ìý
Second, the session spotlighted research projects taking place at PEA:Ìý
- Simon Steffen (Researcher at IPF PEACE AWS Network) shared information about automatic weather stations that monitor the local climate from the coast to the Antarctic plateauÌýÌý
- Rainette Engberg (Doctoral Researcher from EPFL Lausanne, Switzerland. CRYOS project) presented their work investigating fluxes in blowing snow clouds from the 30 meter tower at PEAÌý
- Dr. Michel Van Roozendael (Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB)) shared research into Ozone measurements in AntarcticaÌýÌý
- Dr. Sarah Wauthy (Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)) presented on atmospheric pathways and ine particle transport to Antarctica.ÌýÌý
Third, the PEA team lead Simon Steffan shared a short clip about effective climate science communication.Ìý
Last, we facilitated a Q&A where all presenters were available to answer questionsÌýÌý
This inaugural SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education provided pathways to combine renewable energy and enthusiasm to sustainably learn together!Ìý