The Norwegian Troll Research Station (WAP NOR-11), located in Jutulsessen, Antarctica, serves as a critical base for biological, glaciological and geological research, and it is operating in one of the most challenging environments on the planet.
Troll Sation, 72°00′42″South, 2°32′06″East, was originally built in 1989-1990, but its facilities were only suitable for summer use. In 2005, the station underwent an upgrade, including a construction of a 3,000-meter-long airstrip on the glacier. The upgrade was essential for maintaining a continuous, year-round presence in the region and for supporting research and logistics, including providing a transport route for other stations in Dronning Maud Land.
The station is approximately 235 km from the coast, a distance taking 3-5 days to cover with cargo. Troll houses six personnel during the harsh winter months, with up to 80 people arriving during the summer season.
After 35 years of service in one of the world’s harshest environments, the existing Troll Research Station is nearing the end of its lifespan. Looks like the old Troll station, being 32 years old, will be demolished. It has low capacity for research activities, unreliable buildings and technical systems, and needs to transition to renewable energy sources. The government has approved a concept for upgrading the existing Station with a new building to accommodate 65 personnel.
Statsbygg, the Norwegian government’s construction agency, has initiated the process to find a contractor to build a new Research Station at Troll in Antarctica. This will be one of Norway’s most unique construction projects over the next decade.
This is an important step towards a functional, upgraded research station that meets today’s requirements for Polar research in one of the world’s most exposed areas,” says John Guldahl, project manager at the Norwegian Polar Institute. Funding has so far been allocated for a design phase with the contractor, consultants and architect. Detailed design and construction are subject to parliamentary approval and budget allocation for project execution.
Thanks and Credit to: https://www.sciencenorway.no/antarctica-ntb-english-science-policy/norway-will-spend-over-300-million-usd-to-build-a-research-station-in-antarctica/2147064
Read more at: https://npolar.no/en/troll/