Poland boosts funding for its Antarctic research station, aiming to enhance scientific collaboration and climate research by 2027.
Poland’s Minister of Science has allocated an additional 43 million PLN to the construction of the new headquarters for the Polish Antarctic Station. The total cost of the “ARCTOWSKI – PolarPOL – Polish Multidisciplinary Laboratory for Polar Research in Antarctica” project is now 173 million PLN, with completion expected by 2027.
Strategic Importance
Located on King George Island, 120 km from the Antarctic continent, the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station has been operational since 1977. It remains Poland’s sole year-round research facility in Antarctica. The new investment underscores Poland’s commitment to strengthening its international scientific presence and contributing to critical climate change research.
Infrastructure and Future Plans
To date, over 70 million PLN has been spent on the project, with total public funding now exceeding 130 million PLN. The additional funds will complete the construction of the main building, including the foundation blocks, steel structure, warehouses, internal infrastructure, water and sewage systems, and energy cabling.
International Collaboration
The enhanced infrastructure will enable Poland to maintain its position among the elite 20 countries operating year-round research stations in Antarctica. It also ensures Poland’s consultative status in the Antarctic Treaty, granting equal voting rights in managing the continent’s future.