31 July 2025: Postcard from Rothera
With the end of the 2024/25 Antarctic construction season, the British Antarctic Survey's (BAS) wintering team settles in at Rothera Research Station. Rothera is undergoing modernisation and the new facility, the Discovery Building came into operational use last month.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), as part of the government funded Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the station has seen a significant investment for the future of polar science in the region.
Joining the station's wintering team are an additional three construction team members this winter. The teams at Rothera have been making good progress over the past month during the winter period to complete crucial infrastructure improvements.
Heating system upgrades
Darren, our plumber, has spent the last few weeks focusing on pipe lagging throughout the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. This work ensures hot liquids retain their heat when travelling long distances across the station, maximising energy efficiency during the harsh Antarctic winter. The improved insulation will help reduce heat loss and keep systems running effectively when temperatures drop. The heating system is part of our new energy centre with its energy efficient network of pipes and cables.
Power and electrical improvements
Scott, who is wintering at Rothera for the second year, has been running new cables from the energy centre to install permanent power supplies throughout the station. Scott is working throughout the whole build over winter. His recent work includes progressing the electrical installation throughout the Discovery Building and in the energy centre and upgraded vehicle areas. More recently he completed power supply installations for grinders and welding equipment, along with new lighting and data cables for the vehicle's mezzanine area. The new vehicle workshop was designed to meet the growing demands of the station.
Preparing for field season
Wilson, experiencing his first Antarctic winter, has been working on the field preparation area's south wall as a plasterer and decorator. He's systematically working his way north to ensure the area is ready before field teams arrive with their equipment for the busy summer season. Wilson expects to complete this section within the next couple of weeks, which will allow winter field trips to operate from the newly improved facilities.
Making the most of winter
The team is taking full advantage of having fewer people on station during winter, allowing them to complete work that would be more difficult during the busier summer months. These improvements will ensure Rothera is well-prepared to support the important upcoming field season operations.
All three team members are focusing exclusively on internal work during this winter period, ensuring the station's infrastructure is modernised and ready for increased activity as the Antarctic summer approaches.
Working in Antarctica
You don't need to be a polar scientist to work in Antarctica, we employ experts from various professions to keep the lights on, keep everyone safe and support our teams working in remote environments.
About the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme
The AIMP is a long-term programme to support the UK's polar research capabilities. The programme is delivered in partnership with construction partners BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, G&A Barnie Group, Turner & Townsend and Hugh Broughton Architects.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the AIMP will enable the UK to continue to deliver climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in Antarctica.
Together with the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, the AIMP represents the largest Government investment in polar science infrastructure since the 1980s.
