SANAE IV is the current research base of the South African
National Antarctic Expedition and is part of the South African
National Antarctic Program (SANAP). The station was completed in
1997 using a structure that is raised on stilts. This allows free fall of
snow thereby limiting snow deposition. The station consists of
three linked modules, each double-story, 44 m long and 14 m wide
as depicted in Fig. 1. There are two smaller nearby structures that
house the satellite dish used for communications and the diesel
fuel bunkers. The reason for existence of SANAE IV is to provide a
permanent year-round base station for scientists undertaking
research projects under the auspices of SANAP. It is staffed and
maintained the whole year by a team of scientists and support
personnel.
Currently, electrical power is generated for SANAE IV using
three diesel generators [6] that uses roughly 297,872 litre of special
Antarctic Blend Diesel (SAB) each year [4]. The cost of transportation
of this fuel from the nearest city (Cape Town), security of
energy supply to ensure continued performance of the station in