Builders set to redevelop New Zealand's Scott Base in Antarctica have begun training in sub-zero conditions ahead of construction starting in October, after Cabinet signed off on the $498 million project.
The Government-funded redevelopment will replace the ageing research station with a modern, fit-for-purpose facility after earlier plans were scrapped because of significant budget blowouts.
Around 20 construction workers from Wellington-based firm LT McGuinness will travel to Antarctica this summer, with the workforce expected to grow to between 60 and 90 people during peak construction.
To prepare for the harsh environment, crews have been training inside a refrigerated container, where they have been testing equipment, materials and working in temperatures as low as -20C.
Redevelopment of the Antarctic facilities will cost almost $500m. (Source: 1News)
"We're trialling a lot of other things like glues and paints in a colder environment so we can make sure we have confidence those things will work," LT McGuinness director Dan McGuinness said.
The redevelopment will include new accommodation and communal facilities, upgraded science and operational spaces, and critical infrastructure such as water treatment, sewerage and power systems.
Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Jordy Hendrikx said the project was effectively building "a small town".
"That small town will have its own water treatment facilities, we need our own sewerage, our own power system and three new turbines which will provide up to three megawatts of renewable energy," he said.
The project also included a major wind farm upgrade and battery storage system to improve energy resilience at the station.
Hendrikx said the existing Scott Base was no longer fit for purpose.
"It's more akin to your 1970s backpackers. The rooms are mostly dormitories, it's cold in areas, we have issues with moisture management, we have leaks in places and it's really no longer fit for purpose."
The Antarctic summer provides only a short construction window each year, meaning extensive planning is required before each deployment.
"There is no Bunnings or Mitre 10 down the road," McGuinness said.
"If you forget that one bolt, you can't just pick one up down the road. You have to have spares and be prepared for a number of eventualities."
Construction is expected to be completed by early 2030.
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