China’s hydrogen fuel cell powers Antarctic station in world first

China has successfully deployed the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell in Antarctica, providing power to Beijing’s Qinling Station, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Developed by a hydrogen energy company under the State Power Investment Corporation, the system includes a 50-cubic-meter hydrogen storage tank and can operate independently for up to 24 days, with a maximum output of 30 kilowatts. Its scalable design allows power production from 50 kilowatts to several megawatts.

The technology significantly reduces carbon emissions, saving nearly one kilogram of fossil fuel per kilowatt-hour. It also supports stable energy supply by converting surplus wind and solar energy into hydrogen for later use.

According to experts, this breakthrough demonstrates hydrogen fuel cell reliability in extreme polar conditions, setting a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions in harsh environments.