Arctic

6,400 panels north of the Arctic Circle

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The world is immersed in the Renewable Energy Revolution. China is the Great powerin Europe we are seeing The sorpasso of renewables And even states like Texas have Uploaded to wind and photovoltaic car. However, there is a region in which bet on solar panels It looks like a contradiction: the Arctic. The reason? With a sun that for much of the year is up to the horizon, traditional panels sound like a waste. The trick is to stand up. And in the city of Troms the largest installation of bifacial solar panels in the world has just finished. Tromsøterminalen. North of the Arctic Circle is the city of Tromsø. Is at the upper limit of Norway And in a storage installation the world installation record of vertical photovoltaic units has just been exceeded, known as VPV. The roof of the trumsøtermine has hostel 1,600 VPV units that, in total, have 6,400 individual solar panels. It covers an area of ​​about 2,670 square meters and the installed capacity is 320 kWp. As they point in Interesting Engineeringthe CEO of Over Easy Solar (Norwegian company that He was in charge of the installation) comments that it is the vertical solar system located on a larger roof in the world. Too many ‘asterisks’, but the truth is that the orientation is impressive responds to a need. Vertical panels. Northern Norway has some Very capricious solar patterns. Focusing in Tromsø, from May to July there is a period known as the ‘midnight sun’. The sun remains visible 24 hours a day with different intensity, but there is also the opposite phenomenon: the ‘polar night’. From the end of November to mid -January, the star barely rises above the horizon. Depending on the area in Norway, there are between two and four months of continuous sunlight and another two to four at polar night. Traditional panels could not capture virtually anything when the sun affects too sharp angles, and that is where the VPV come out. If a traditional panel would reach 485 kWh yields in suitable conditions in this region, verticals can generate up to 55% more energy: about 750 kWh per year. Sun … and snow. In the winter months, that difference can become three or four times higher, but in addition to being more suitable to capture the sun when it is in the horizon line, these vertical solar panels take advantage of the Albano effect caused by the snow that accumulates between the ranks of panels and reflects the sunlight. That is: VPVs are capturing light from both the sun and what is reflected in the snow. It is estimated that this can increase energy production by more than 30% and, obviously, the advantage of vertical orientation is that snow does not accumulate on top of the panels, facilitating so much cleaning (The snow either Dust are enemies of photovoltaic plates) as ensuring a more continuous production. Tromsø is not the first system of this type and, in fact, is inspired by the success of the 1,200 VPV units installed a few years ago at the Oslo Ullevaal Stadium. In addition, it is an easy installation to perform (it was installed, according to The company, in four days for three people) and the CEO of Over Easy Solar trusts that that of tromsøterminate is an example for other cities of extreme latitudes. Although, really, they are not only useful in these conditions and there are already those who explore this solution on roads or in the Agrovoltaic facilities. Scalability. In fact, Over Easy is performing tests in which they measure the production of vertical panels not in extreme areas: but in one of the paradises of the photovoltaic: Spain. In the video below we see how a cluster of these panels produces on a roof in Elche: And that is on a roof is interesting because a problem that solar panels can have is their measured weight in kg/m². A traditional panel can weigh Between 15 and 25 kg/m² taking into account both cells and structure, hardware and other units. The one installed in the trumsøterminalen has a weight of 11 kg/m², which facilitates both the assembly work and the being able to fill roofs with panels. Images | Over Easy In Xataka | Something unpublished has just happened in Norway: there are already more electric cars circulating in total than gasoline

The Arctic cold was the ideal barrier against invasive species. Now that barrier is falling

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The Arctic Ocean is one of the hot points as far as climate change is concerned. Separated from the surface by polar ice, this ocean is a place with its own characteristics that go beyond its icy temperature. The barrier falls. A new study headed by researchers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) He has found evidence of the arrival of an invasive species of Percebe to the waters of the Canadian Antarctic. This has led the team to conclude that the barrier that previously represented the low temperatures of the polar ocean is falling. Amphibalanus Impherevisus. The species in question is a type of Balánido sometimes known as bay’s percebe (Amphibalanus Impherevisus). These crustaceans are disturbed in a distant way with the common perclabes (Cornucopia policipes), but its presence is considered a problem and not A food source. The species has already become a regular of the waters of Europe and the Pacific Ocean, where it causes problems when attached to ships, pipes and infrastructure of different types. However, until now it had remained absent in the waters of the Canadian Arctic. EADN. The detection of the invasive species was carried out thanks to the study of the bars coding of the Environmental DNA (Edna). Living beings are leaving our genetic imprint in our environment: detached cells, waste and other biological remains. This technique allows to detect the presence of a species (or several) without finding a single specimen, only through environmental samples, in this case, water. The details of the study were Published in an article In the magazine Global Change Biology. Climate change, the great suspect. The Arctic is one of the regions most affected by climate change. There are two factors, both related to the increase in temperatures in this region, which have contributed to the expansion of this percebe. The first factor is the increase in maritime traffic of the Arctic associated with the thaw and the opening of new routes. Generally, the team explains, these invasive species usually arrive in the ships of the ships or in their ballast tanks. The second factor is that the waters of the Canadian Arctic no longer present such hostile conditions for the proliferation of foreign species. “Climate change is really in the nucleus of this problem. The ships are increasing in number because the reduction of sea ice has opened new nautical routes. It adds to this that the invasive species that the ships bring to the Arctic also are more likely to survive and establish populations due to the warmest temperatures of the water,” explained in a press release Elizabeth Boyse, who led the study. An issue to clarify. According to the team responsible for the study, there are still details to corroborate with respect to the spread of this species in the Canadian Arctic, starting to know if the DNA detected responded to larvae in transit or a more stable and fruitful population. To know this type of detail, it will be necessary to complement the study with other techniques, such as direct observation of animals. In Xataka | A group of Dutch came up with watering the Arctic could be a good antidote against thaw. It is working Image | Ansgar Walk, CC by-SA 3.0

We believed that the most complicated summer of F-35 had ended. Until his software made him kamikaze on the Arctic

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In mid-August it seemed frankly difficult for something more to the brand new F-35 of Lockheed Martin. After the plane stranded for a month In India, the reverse from Spain to an order (to which they have added other countries), and A second breakdown Of a hunt, this time in Japan, the quota of fatalities seemed complete. Until a report has appeared that calls for the plane and its sophisticated software. An accident and its causes. Now we know that on January 28, 2025 an F-35a of the United States Air Force, assigned to the 354th combat wing at the base of Eielson (Alaska), He crashed After taking off in training mission as part of a group of four aircraft. He Official Report of the Pacific Air Forces revealed that the main cause was the fluid freezing Hydraulic contaminated with water in the shock absorbers of the landing train, which prevented the complete extension of the struts and caused that the weight sensors on wheels on wheels They will erroneously interpret That the plane was on the ground while still flewing. Kamikaze mode. This false signal automatically activated the “on-aund” control mode in full flight, the aircraft becoming uncontrollable. Luckily, the pilot managed to eject and survived with minor injuries, but the plane, valued in 196.5 million dollarsit was completely lost. Emergency in flight. The problem was immediately manifested: the front train was misaligned at 17 degrees and could not retract. After radio consultations with engineers from Lockheed Martin and a flight supervisor, the pilot tried for almost an hour Reactivate the wheel using two “touch-And-go” maneuvers. However, the ice also blocked the main trains, and at the second attempt the sensors indicated that the aircraft had landed. What happened then? That the system automatically changed to Operation mode on landdrastically reducing the control capacity. The pilot, nicknamed in The “MP” reportmanaged to eject just before the hunt went into loss and fell into chopped. The device came to rise more than 1,000 meters after the ejection, and then rush vertically, in the sequence recorded in a video that went viral. Technical and maintenance factors. The investigation He explained that the ice in the struts, added to the bad alignment of the front -train blocking hook, damaged metal components and prevented the correct system coupling. In addition, and very important, the Wow sensors (Critics in the F-35 Flight Control Logic, known as Claws) showed vulnerability in extreme cold conditions, something that Lockheed Martin already He had warned In previous maintenance bulletins. In other words, the ice “cheated” to the software. The report Underline that water pollution in hydraulic fluids derived from poor management of hazardous materials and breaches in service protocols. These negligence, together with decision -making during the emergency, were considered contributing factors to the accident. Implications and lessons. No doubt, the case has highlighted the complexity inherent in the high F-35 automationwhere a sensor failure can trigger waterfall reactions in the control software. Although nine days later another F-35A was able to land with a similar problem in the train without consequences, the Research Board stressed that, with the available information, the safest option would have been to order an immediate landing or a controlled ejection instead of risking a second attempt to maneuver. Although the report did not issue recommendations Formal policy changes, did highlight the need to reinforce compliance with maintenance protocols, supervision of fluid use and preparation for operations in Arctic environments. Strategic repercussions. In short, the accident, Without fatalitieshighlights the challenges of operating fifth generation fighters in extreme conditions such as Alaska, where temperatures close to –17 ºC can aggravate technical vulnerabilities. Not just that. It also offers a warning to future operators in cold climates, Like Canada and Finlandwhich must consider the reliability of the sensors and the resilience of the control systems in hostile environments. Beyond the technical, the event illustrates how the sophistication of the F-35, with its dependence on algorithms and automation, can become a risk factor in unforeseen emergenciesforcing to rethink the balance between human control and software in new generation military aircraft. Image | US AIR National Guard/Tech. Sgt. Adam Keele In Xataka | It is being a complicated summer for the US F-35: after the “no” of Spain Russia and China have appeared to do more damage In Xataka | A group of countries is being formed after the decision of Spain: those that are closing the door to the US F-35

The battle for the Arctic has ceased to be a two thing. China has “planted” with five breaks against Russia and the US

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In March there was one of that news that rumbles in the geopolitical scene. Russia announced its decision to put its flag in the Arctic with a floating nuclear plant. And if any nation, call the United States, I wanted to say something, I was very delayed. In the background a strictly numerical theme: the Moscow fleet had eight “nuclear” break. And, suddenly, China has appeared. Unpublished deployment. United States, through the North Command (Northcom) and the NORAD, Watch The simultaneous presence of Five Chinese breaks operating in Arctic International Waters, in front of Alaska, a number that multiply by two and a half The current capacity of the US coastal guard in the region. The units, mostly research ships Like the Xue Long 2, the Ji Di and the Zhong Shan da Xue Ji Di, have been intercepted or survived by US media within the framework of the Frontier Sentinel operationdestined to counteract hostile activities, protect sovereign interests and promote respect for international maritime law. The deployment is part of a three -year trend of growing Chinese activity in the Arctic, facilitated by the thaw that opens routes such as The “Route del Norte”axis of the Chinese strategy of the “Polar silk route” To shorten in about 4,600 km The maritime journey to Europe. Arctic capacities and gap. Yes, despite not being an Arctic State, China already operates at least Five Rompehielos And it projects to build more tens, while Russia has dozens of units and the United Polar Stary and the Healy), to which the Storis on August 10 as provisional reinforcement. The rest of the 20 American breakwoods are domestic and They lack polar capacity. The Coast Guard warns which must expand and modernize its fleet to safeguard national security and maritime trade, aligning with the presidential guideline to acquire 40 new breaks. However, a new one is not built in the United States for half a century and current programs They suffer delayswith the first Polar Security Cutter postponed from 2024 A, possibly, 2029. The USCGC Healy helps to release an oil tanker with Russian ice flag near Alaska in 2012 Industrial response. Before the gap, the Trump government has assigned 4.3 billion of dollars for up to three new heavy breaks and 3.5 billion for medium units, in addition to promoting the ICE Trilateral Pact With Canada and Finland to meet the planned demand for 90 Rompehielos In the next decade. This agreement seeks Share informationform personnel and allow the joint acquisition of ships built in allied shipyards. In July, shipyards of the United States, Canada and Finland announced an alliance to produce Arctic Security Cutters, with a mature design and delivery capacity in 36 months after the award of the contract. Strategic competition. No doubt, the increase in Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic reflects its growing interest in natural resources and strategic advantages of the region. Russia has massively reinforced its military infrastructureas in the Nagurskoye Air Base and the Trefoil Arctic Complexwhile the United States performs multinational exercise Arctic Edge 25 With own forces, from the United Kingdom, Denmark and local partners, although its ice operability remains limited by the shortage of breaking. The simultaneous presence of five Chinese ships in this sensitive area underlines the urgency for Washington to close the capacities gap if you want to maintain influence and access at the north end. Geopolitical importance. Plus: the thaw of the Arctic not only opens shorter trade routes between Asia and Europe, but It exposes reservations of hydrocarbons, critical minerals and new fishing grounds, all of high strategic value. For China, increase your footprint in the region gives you ability to influence In a space historically dominated by NATO Arctic States and members, in addition to reinforcing its global naval projection. For the United States, on the other hand, the Chinese advance and Russian supremacy In polar abilities they show the urgent need to invest in media that ensure the defense of their maritime routes, resources and presence in a scenario where geopolitical competence intensifies rapidly. Image | Us Coast Guard, USCG In Xataka | Eight Rompehielos have turned Russia into the power of the Arctic. Your secret: Nuclear force to operate all year In Xataka | The future of energy is floating in the Arctic: the ace under Russia’s sleeve is a nuclear plant

Trump orders oil drilling in Arctic reserve

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He Donald Trump’s inauguration speech Last January 20 was full of controversies. Not only for the blunders on scientific topics that caused a stir in New Zealand. Also because he announced measures that make clear the drift that his dangerous environmental policies. For example, he made it very clear that he thinks open the Arctic to drilling in search of oil and other fossil fuels. Until now, the Arctic wildlife reserve, located in Alaska, had remained closed to drilling by order of Joe Biden. The last president had denied several exploitation permits in this protected area. However, the new president has already shown on many occasions how little he cares about the planet, so it was not going to be any less this time. “Drill, baby drill”. With this slogan, first used in 2008 by the former Republican lieutenant governor of the state of Maryland Michael SteeleDonald Trump has signaled his intentions in his inauguration speech. But what will be the consequences if drilling in these Alaskan territories finally restarts? American environmental groups have not been waiting to launch their answer to this question. Without a doubt, it is not good at all. There is only hope that, as have already shown on some other occasionfuel extraction companies show disinterest in this area of ​​the Arctic. It doesn’t matter how much Donald Trump opens the doors of the reservation. If the big oil companies refuse to extract fuel from there, there is little else they can do. I hope that’s the case. This is the reserve that Donald Trump wants to drill According to data from 2024it is estimated that beneath the soil of Alaska there is an amount of oil equivalent to 450-800 million barrels. Most of this territory is open to exploitation. However, there is an area of 78,000 square kilometers located on the northern slope of Alaska where, until now, it was strictly prohibited. It is about the Attic National Wildlife Refuge, known to some people like him United States Serengetidue to the great biodiversity that exists in it. It is one of the most intact and virgin of said country and it is estimated that approximately more than 200 species of birds, 42 species of fish and 45 species of mammals. Animals such as polar, brown and black bears, moose, caribou, wolves, lynxes, eagles, martens and beavers stand out. Its caribou population stands out especially, with more than 120,000 specimens. In his speech, Donald Trump has used the slogan “drill, baby, drill.” The Refuge was established in 1960 by President Dwight Eisenhower. Although it belonged to the American Republican Party, over time it has been the Democrats who have put the most effort into protecting the Refuge. Joe Biden also suspended drilling permits established in this region, in order to protect it even more. But Donald Trump has taken it upon himself to annul this suspension and announce his commitment to “drill, baby, drill“(“drill” means “to pierce” in English). What do environmentalists say? Both environmentalists and Alaska Native groups have expressed concern about the first decisions made by Donald Trump. Carol Holleythe lawyer and manager of the Earthjustice group, recalled in a statement that “Alaska is warming up four times faster than the rest of the planet.” This, he added, is “a trend that is wreaking havoc on communities, ecosystems, fish, wildlife and ways of life that depend on healthy lands and waters.” Logically, drilling the ground to extract oil and natural gas is the last thing needed to have healthy lands and waters. There is a large population of caribou in the refuge. Credit: Danielle Brigida (Wikimedia Commons) For Donald Trump, this is a decision that will bring economic prosperity to the United States, but it is not all about money. There is no United States without a planet and, with measures like this, little by little the stones are being laid to build an uninhabitable planet.

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