New Zealand has signed the construction contract for the comprehensive redevelopment of its Antarctic research station, Scott Base, thereby getting one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects back on track. As Antarctica New Zealand announced on 30 July 2026, the Wellington-based construction firm LT McGuinness was awarded the contract. The project had been put on hold in 2023 after costs exceeded the original budget.
Following a comprehensive review, the New Zealand government approved a new project plan in May with a budget of 498 million New Zealand dollars (around 288 million US dollars). The station’s core scientific and operational functions were retained, whilst the construction design was simplified.
At the heart of the modernisation is a new 3,000-square-metre base services building. In addition, the Hillary Field Centre is being extended and the outdated water, wastewater and energy infrastructure is being completely replaced. As a result, the built-up area of Scott Base will grow from around 5,000 to 6,500 square metres.
Another key component of the project is the modernisation of the energy supply. A new wind farm and a battery storage system are set to increase the share of renewable energy and make the electricity supply to both Scott Base and the neighbouring US McMurdo Station more reliable.
Construction work will take place over several Antarctic summer seasons, as Ross Island only offers a construction window of around 100 days per year. In the coming season, drilling and pile-driving work will begin, along with the transport of building materials for the main construction phase in 2027/28. Completion of the modernised Scott Base is still scheduled for 2030.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal