Heard and McDonald Islands energy stored in batteries

What's happening on Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

Landing stores, Atlas Cove, Heard Island with Rogers Head in background Photo: Alan Campbell-Drury Due to the extreme isolation of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), together with the persistently severe weather and sea conditions, human activities in the region have been, and remain, limited.

What is the difference between Heard Island and McDonald Island?

Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky fish Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island

Are there scientific studies on Heard Island?

Although hindered by the extreme isolation and unfavourable working conditions, scientific studies have been carried out on Heard Island since the first research visit by scientists from the HMS Challenger in 1874. See the Research Expeditions pages in the History section of this website for more information.

Who discovered Heard Island?

American sailor John HEARD discovered Heard Island in 1853 and thought it was a glacier that had broken away from Antarctica. Fellow American William MCDONALD discovered the McDonald Islands the following year.

How many people have landed on Heard Island?

Since the first landing on Heard Island in 1855, there have been only approximately 240 shore-based visits to the island, and only two landings on McDonald Island (in 1971 and 1980).

Could energy Islands be a solution to net zero?

Energy islands could be a solution to achieving net zero by gathering green electricity from vast arrays of wind turbines and maximizing energy efficiency. This high-tech solution, which would complement offshore renewables and could become reality within the next decade, produces green hydrogen or stores electricity in batteries.