Kohler has partnered with Robert Swan on his 2023 Undaunted Expedition that will take him across the Antarctic landmass to the Geographic South Pole relying solely on renewable energy sources. Swan characterizes himself as a modern-day explorer and is the only human to have walked to both the North and South Poles. He has dedicated his life's work to the preservation of Antarctica and the planet by promoting renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change through his 2041 Foundation. Swan embarks on his journey in December 2022, relying on KOHLER energy solutions, with the goal to reach the South Pole in mid-January.
Kohler has equipped Swan's journey with a customized KOHLER generator that utilizes a KOHLER diesel engine fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The fuel is 90 percent carbon neutral and sourced entirely from waste products, making it part of a circular economy. HVO is a high-quality replacement for fossil diesel made from waste vegetable oils and other sustainable materials. It allows generator users to adopt low-carbon, renewable energy without compromising on performance.
"Increased climate challenges have made critical resiliency solutions more important than ever," says Swan. "We all have a responsibility for this last great wilderness left on Earth. Antarctica has always been a natural reserve land for science and peace, and it's the only place like it on the planet."
The off-grid sustainable system will provide the energy needed to operate Swan's base camp and provide battery charge to his mobile equipment. The integrated energy system is controlled by the Heila EDGE, a modular and decentralized energy platform from Heila Technologies that connects and optimizes solar arrays, batteries, and other distributed energy resources, creating a resilient microgrid solution for Swan's Antarctic base camp.
Kohler's energy products are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide reliable power when the grid cannot, making them a dependable energy solution for Swan. Kohler has a proven history of resilient power solutions that have survived the unforgiving terrain of the South Pole. More than 90 years ago, Admiral Richard Byrd powered his Antarctic journey with KOHLER generators, and they were his only means to communicate back to the civilized world from the depths of the Antarctic. Swan and Kohler's partnership on the Undaunted Expedition honours the progress of clean energy solutions and celebrates future possibilities of helping to control climate change.
"Kohler's relationship to the Antarctic and environmental sustainability is deeply rooted within our history," says Francis Perrin, vice president of marketing for Kohler, adding that Swan's passion and perseverance are admirable traits that have also served Kohler well for 150 years. "Supporting the Undaunted Expedition with renewable energy solutions illustrates Kohler's ongoing commitment to provide resilient energy systems and our journey toward strengthening our clean energy offerings."
