Do the benefits of using fuel cells as a power source in Antarctica, justify overcoming the challenges that remain in constructing and operating them there?

Fuel cells are being developed in a number of countries as it is thought that they can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel burning combustion engines such as those in vehicles and some stationary power sources. This paper reviews the existing literature on the use of fuel cells as power sources in Antarctica. It also examines literature regarding the use of fuel cells in similar environments and highlights other relevant research which could impact on their use in Antarctica. The paper then summarises the benefits offered by fuel cells in Antarctica, and identifies the challenges which are still to be overcome. The paper concludes that there is enough evidence to suggest fuel cells can provide significant benefits over diesel generators (including emission reduction and likely cost savings), and offer benefits over other renewable energy sources (such as the ability to produce energy when there is no wind or sunlight), so overcoming the remaining challenges is justified