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Daily CSR
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Kohler collaborates with Robert Swan on exploring Antarctica



12/13/2022

For the very first time Antarctica is being explored using renewable energy.


Kohler collaborates with Robert Swan on exploring Antarctica
Kohler announces a collaboration with Robert Swan, OBE (Order of the British Empire), on his Undaunted Expedition 2023, which will take him across Antarctica to the Geographic South Pole using only renewable energy sources. Swan considers himself a modern-day explorer because he is the only person to have walked to both the North and South Poles.

Through his 2041 Foundation, 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. Swan begins his journey in December 2022, relying on KOHLER energy solutions to reach the South Pole by mid-January.

Kohler, a pioneer in energy resilience for over a century, is outfitting Swan's journey with a customized KOHLER generator powered by a KOHLER diesel engine fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The fuel is 90 percent carbon neutral and made entirely from waste, making it a component of the circular economy. HVO is a high-quality fossil-diesel replacement made from waste vegetable oils and other sustainable materials. It enables generator users to use low-carbon, renewable energy without sacrificing performance.

“Increased climate challenges have made critical resiliency solutions more important than ever,” said 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.”

Swan's base camp will be powered by the off-grid sustainable system, which will also charge his mobile equipment's batteries. The Heila EDGE, a modular and decentralized energy platform from Heila Technologies - part of Kohler Co. - connects and optimizes solar arrays, batteries, and other distributed energy resources, creating a resilient microgrid solution for Swan's Antarctic base camp, controls the integrated energy system.

Kohler's energy product portfolio is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide dependable, resilient power when the grid cannot, making them a reliable energy solution for Swan. Kohler has a track record of resilient power solutions that have withstood the harsh conditions of the South Pole.

Admiral Richard Byrd powered his Antarctic journey with KOHLER generators more than 90 years ago, and they were his only means of communicating back to the civilized world from the depths of the Antarctic. Swan and Kohler's collaboration on the Undaunted Expedition recognizes the advancement of resilient and clean energy solutions, as well as the future possibilities of assisting in the control of climate change and the preservation of the planet.

“Kohler’s relationship to the Antarctic and environmental sustainability is deeply rooted within our history,” said Francis Perrin, VP of Marketing for Kohler, adding that Swan’s passion and perseverance are admirable traits that have also served Kohler well for 150 years.

He went on to add, “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.”