NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, a crucial site for monitoring global greenhouse gas levels, is set to undergo a significant transformation thanks to a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding, part of the AFFECT program, aims to convert the observatory into a net-zero carbon facility, mitigating its environmental impact and enhancing its resilience against volcanic activity.
Since the eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano in 2022, which buried a mile of the access road and destroyed power poles, the observatory has been operating without road access and electricity. However, efforts have been underway to restore limited power using solar generation and battery systems. This recent grant will enable the purchase of additional solar panels and storage systems, allowing the observatory to operate entirely on renewable energy.
Vanda Grubišić, director of the Global Monitoring Laboratory, emphasized the significance of this project in understanding climate change, stating that operating fully on renewable energy will facilitate critical measurements for climate research. The conversion to renewable energy not only enhances the observatory's operational resilience but also eliminates carbon emissions from its facilities.
With approximately 33% of atmospheric measurements restored on the site, including key research areas such as greenhouse gases and ozone, the observatory's transition to renewable energy marks a pivotal moment in its history. Moreover, the conversion aligns with NOAA's commitment to sustainable practices, making it the first Department of Commerce facility to achieve net-zero status for both electricity and water.
Despite construction plans for site redevelopment being put on hold until road access is restored, NOAA remains steadfast in its commitment to creating an efficient and sustainable research campus. Once completed, the Mauna Loa Observatory will stand as a beacon of environmental stewardship and scientific excellence for years to come.
Source: research.noaa.gov