Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:49
Forums
High Arctic Change 09

Hey there! What an exciting adventure you are having. Cool stuff - I'm jealous! Our summer school environmental science class (8 students) is doing great. We are almost done for the summer.

There are so many things that you are experiencing that is relevant to our material, but one thing we were wondering about is: How does the little remote settlement where you are living get energy? Are there actually power lines coming from somewhere? Or coal being burned? Or solar energy being collected?

Keep the great info coming!

-Tanya Gordon (at Hillside Jr. High)

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 10:30

Mike Rhinard

Hey Tanya!  And Hey 8 EnvSci students!Thanks for following.  And thanks for the great questions.  
How does Ny Alesund get its energy?  I wasn't sure myself.  So I started asking around.  Turns out one of the guys from NASA that is here was able to fill me in a little bit. We were talking at a going away social for the Chinese group that has been working here. And the topic came up.
There is a power plant on the bluff overlooking the fjord.  They burn diesel fuel that is shipped in.  But it's not just a big old fuel burning, smokestack kind of place.  I guess it burns fuel at around 90% efficiency.  They make the power for all of the buildings and heat the water that we use to wash and shower with, as well as heat the buildings through hot water radiators.
I'm going to go to the source as soon as I get the chance to get more info for you. I've seen the building.  It's very new and modern. 
Though this used to be a coal mining village, there is no coal mining going on any more.  Much like the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho, most of Svalbard has been designated wilderness and wildlife sanctuary.  So though there must still be coal around the area, fuel oil is shipped in for heat & power.
 When is your class finished up for the summer?  I will try to get some more info on the energy production and usage here, as well as the amazing recycling program in effect.  EVERYTHING must be shipped out.  So it gets sorted very well beforehand.  
Keep following.  Chat later.
Mike
 

Mon, 08/03/2009 - 10:51

Guest

Our class ended on the 31st. But I did share your answer with the students. Very interesting stuff. Thanks for responding and enjoy the rest of your adventure. Can't to see what you come back with for the BSD science people. ;)-Tanya