Earlier this month our hydro sales team signed a contract with the Government of South Georgia for a micro hydro scheme at the Grytviken site in South Georgia. The 13kW Compact Turgo will be the second installation on the Island in addition to an existing 250kW twin jet Turgo installed in 2007, providing power to Grytviken and the British Antarctic Survey Base at King Edward Point.
Power demand at KEP and Grytviken now runs almost entirely on the existing hydro. Diesel generating sets are now run for emergency back up only and to cycle the fuel storage. The use of diesel is not the most eco‐friendly solution and has the added problems of ongoing cost, safe transportation, and storage, hence the installation of a second micro hydro to ensure the future of renewable energy on the island.
Gilkes also supply training to the British Antarctic Survey to enable them to run and maintain the equipment. Planned installation is early 2024.