The ArcelorMittal flag is floating over Antarctica!

Princess Elisabeth station has reached its final destination: Antarctica. Indeed, the first “zero emission” polar research station now stands on top of a granite ridge at Utsteinen in the Dronning Maud Land.

Did you know that Princess Elisabeth station is the first polar research station designed to create zero carbon emissions? To do so, it utilises a highly energy-efficient design and by running entirely on renewable wind and solar energies.

ArcelorMittal has contributed to its construction by providing the envelope of the Antarctic base which comprises almost 25 tonnes of austenitic stainless steel. This was specially selected because it is suited for extreme weather conditions: very low temperatures, extreme changes in temperature and violent winds.

To educate and to inform

“It was just incredible to watch the sun set upon the station’s surface. The sun’s rays burned the bottom of the station as they shone in from below and were reflected back by the stainless steel panels. I had never seen the Antarctic winter yet, but I must say that the finished station was absolutely magnificent under this light,” recalls Alain Hubert, President of International Polar Foundation (IPF).

Princess Elisabeth station will be soon operational for research expeditions to educate and inform on research in the Polar Regions, on climate change and on sustainable development.

Collaboration: Corinne le Caignec, Building and Construction Support