Research Station in Antarctica to Run on Capstone Turbine

Capstone Turbine Corp. received a follow-on order for one of its microturbines from the National Science Foundation for use at its McMurdo research station in Antarctica. The order, secured by Arctic Energy, the exclusive distributor in Alaska for the Van Nuys manufacturer, includes a 20-year factory protection plan for the C200 Signature series microturbine. The McMurdo station is one of three year-round Antarctic stations operated by the foundation and serves scientists supported by its U.S. Antarctic Program and other federal agencies, including NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The foundation chose Capstone’s microturbine, which will be delivered this year and is expected to be operational in February 2021, for its ultra-low emissions, low maintenance and high reliability. The microturbine will run on a special jet fuel blend called AN8, unique to the Antarctic and Arctic regions. Capstone Chief Executive Darren Jamison said the lack of lube oil, grease and coolants is a huge advantage for the company’s products, especially in conditions where the temperature has been as low as minus 50 degrees Centigrade. “The reliability of Capstone’s clean and green solutions in some of the most remote and harsh environments in the world makes Capstone a leading solution for customers with highly critical loads and limited infrastructure,” Jamison said in a statement. The announcement on the foundation’s order was made Monday. Shares of Capstone (CPST) closed Tuesday up 2 cents, or less than a percent, to $3.06 on the Nasdaq.