China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team recently completed a round of personnel rotation and logistical resupply at Qinling Station.

China's Qinling Station in Antarctica continues to operate steadily, with key self-developed systems performing reliably under extreme conditions.

Since commencing operations on February 7, 2024, the station has withstood harsh conditions such as extreme cold, strong winds and blizzards. The steady operation of its core systems, including seawater desalination, renewable energy generation and wastewater treatment, has ensured the station's stable and sustained operation.

As of now, members of the overwintering team from China's 41st Antarctic expedition have been working at Qinling Station for more than 14 months.

"All freshwater used at the station is produced through this desalination system, which can generate 20 tonnes of water per day," said Wang Zhechao, head of Qinling Station with China's 41st Antarctic expedition team.

Even during peak periods in the austral summer, daily water consumption amounts to only a little over 10 tonnes, meaning that the output of a single desalination system is sufficient to meet the station's entire water demand.

In addition to the desalination system, the station is equipped with photovoltaic, wind and hydrogen generation systems. Electricity generated by these three renewable energy systems accounts for more than 60 percent of Qinling Station's total power consumption.

"At present, the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources at Qinling Station is relatively high compared with nearby research stations. Looking across Antarctica as a whole, the integrated application of these three energy systems is also a pioneering and innovative approach. In terms of green energy utilization in Antarctica, we are among the frontrunners," Wang said.

The increasing deployment of domestically developed equipment in Antarctica highlights China's steadily improving capabilities in the research, development and application of polar scientific equipment.

At present, expedition members at Qinling Station are carrying out the construction of supporting scientific research facilities and further optimizing system performance.