Active international interest started after the AHEAD presentation at the international Arctic forum Arctic Frontiers (January 26-30, 2020). Analytical and informative articles from the media of all the Arctic and observer countries of the Arctic Council in Russian, English, Chinese, French and other languages noted the value and importance of the IAS “Snowflake” for the Arctic region.
“The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) has initiated a project of the Russian Federation called “Arctic Hydrogen Energy Applications and Demonstrations” (AHEAD) in the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG). <…> The authors of the project paid serious attention to preserving the lifestyle of indigenous peoples and bringing new clean technologies to the Arctic.” @scienmag.com
“ In 2022, Russia will build a next-generation science station in Yamal, in the Arctic.” Translation from French @lecourrierderussie.com
“Russia already has a “green” proposal for the Arctic. The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology… has initiated a project called “Arctic Hydrogen Energy Applications and Demonstrations” (AHEAD) in the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG). AHEAD project is an entirely new type of international Arctic diesel-free research station that does not use any type of carbon fuel”. @panpacificagency.com
“With support from both regional and federal authorities, it will be a show-off of the country’s ability to look beyond oil and gas, but also an advanced research station for Arctic studies”. @thebarentsobserver.com
“Snowflake researchers hope to develop and demonstrate these technologies in real Arctic conditions in order to boost demand and stimulate investment in the public and private sectors.” Translation from Chinese @lotgain.com
“… In recent years, the concept of harmonization of high technologies and natural conditions is more relevant than ever, since the energy supply of remote localities, one of the issues that requires fundamentally new solutions. The task of the station is to abandon diesel fuel in favor of alternative energy sources <…> If successful, the project will be replicated to other remote localities in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation”. @northernforum.org
“Given that nations like Russia, the United States, and Canada are all stakeholders in the Arctic—while also being major oil and gas producers—projects like Snowflake could help envision multilateral ways to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are destabilizing these fragile ecosystems and communities.” @vice.com
“A new generation, year-round Arctic station is rising from the cold Siberian ground with the name: Snezhinka (Snowflake). The goal of this international outpost is the development of the Northern territories in the times of global warming…Still, the Arctic is one of the most resource-rich territories on our planet. So how do the Russian scientists plan to do it? The Snowflake will stand on solid ground, rather than on the disappearing ice, a metaphor for our planet's future.” @worldcrunch.com
“Russia is looking beyond oil as it builds the “Snowflake station” a state-of-the-art climate research station in the Yamal-Nenets region of Siberia." @themoscowtimes.com
“A new diesel-free ‘living laboratory’ will rise from the tundra to host research on renewable energy and smart cities.” @energylivenews.com
“Russia also plans to set up a year-round international research platform on the remote Yamal peninsula in northwestern Siberia.” @media.nature.com
“…Russia is planning to establish a carbon-free ecological platform in the Arctic. The facility will be named "Snowflake" and will be used to test and apply renewable energy sources to act against the climate change.” Translation from French @fredzone.org
“Besides being a hub for international innovations, Snowflake will also serve as a place of encounter between Indigenous peoples and visitors to the research station.” @arctic-council.org
“Sun, wind, and hydrogen: New Arctic station will do without diesel fuel.” @techxplore.com
“Snezhinki energy: what are the prospects for the launch of the Russian Arctic station on carbon-free raw materials.” @tellerreport.com
The AHEAD project has generated great interest among the Arctic and non-Arctic countries, politicians, scientists, journalists, business representatives, activists, students, etc. Thus, the IAS "Snowflake" is already fulfilling one of its main objectives - establishing a platform for collaboration and international cooperation in the Arctic.