Kohler’s polar partner
Kohler announced a partnership with Robert Swan, OBE (Order of the British Empire), on his 2023 Undaunted Expedition that will take him across the antarctic landmass to the geographic south pole relying solely on renewable energy sources.
“Swan embarks on his journey in December 2022 relying on Kohler energy solutions, with the goal to reach the south pole mid-January,” said the company.
Swan characterizes himself as a modern-day explorer and is the only human to have walked to both the north and south poles.
“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,” said Swan.
He has dedicated his life’s work to the preservation of Antarctica and the planet through promoting renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change through his 2041 Foundation.
A leader in energy resiliency for more than 100 years, Kohler is equipping Swan’s journey with a customized Kohler generator that utilizes a Kohler diesel engine fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
“Kohler’s relationship to the antarctic and environmental sustainability is deeply rooted within our history,” said Francis Perrin, VP of marketing for Kohler.
HVO is a replacement for fossil diesel made from waste vegetable oils and other sustainable materials. It allows generator users to adopt low carbon, renewable energy without compromise on performance, said the firm.
The off-grid sustainable system will provide the energy needed to operate Swan’s base camp and provide battery charge to his mobile equipment, said Kohler.
“Increased climate challenges have made critical resiliency solutions more important than ever,” said Swan.