Innovative Waste Heat to Power System Revolutionizes Alaska's Seafood Industry

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Alaska's Seafood Sector

In a significant advancement for sustainable energy, ICE Thermal Harvesting, LLC and UniSea, Inc. have rolled out the first-ever Waste Heat to Power (WHP) system for the seafood industry in Alaska. Located at UniSea's seafood processing facility in Dutch Harbor, this pioneering technology captures surplus heat from existing generators, converting it into clean electricity. This innovative project signifies a major step forward in promoting environmentally friendly practices within Alaska's vibrant seafood sector.

Harnessing Waste Energy for a Sustainable Future

The WHP system is cleverly designed to function effectively in the harsh conditions typical of the Aleutian Islands. It serves to transform excess thermal energy produced by UniSea's powerhouse into usable electrical power. By doing so, it helps reduce reliance on diesel fuel, curtail operational expenses, and diminish greenhouse gas emissions. The introduction of this technology not only aligns with current sustainability goals but also boosts energy resilience in one of North America's most challenging environments.

Rob Bordenave, Vice President at ICE, emphasizes the importance of this project, stating, "This initiative showcases the power of innovation in creating sustainable solutions, even in the most challenging locations. It not only offers immediate financial relief by reducing fuel costs but also equips UniSea with the tools to handle fluctuating energy prices in the future." His sentiments reflect the overarching benefits that the project brings to the local industry.

Overcoming Environmental Challenges

The WHP system is meticulously crafted to withstand the unique geographic and climatic challenges of Dutch Harbor, such as high winds, seismic activity, and freezing temperatures. The integration of the system with UniSea's existing powerhouse infrastructure was completed without requiring significant changes, which minimized disruption during both installation and operation phases. This seamless implementation underscores the practicality of such innovative solutions in enhancing operational efficiency while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

During its initial three-week operational phase, the ICE system successfully generated 67 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity, equivalent to eliminating the use of approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel. As the commissioning progresses and the system transitions to long-term operations, it is projected to produce around 300 kW of power, ultimately replacing nearly 3,500 gallons of diesel weekly throughout the processing season.

A Commitment to Sustainability

UniSea's Chief Operating Officer, Dustin Hamilton, praised the partnership with ICE Thermal Harvesting, noting, "ICE Thermal's team members are true experts in waste-heat capture. We are proud to collaborate on deploying the WHP system, which enhances our sustainability goals by decreasing our dependency on fossil fuels and aligns with our decarbonization strategies. This project marks a significant milestone for UniSea."

The modular nature of the WHP system not only benefits UniSea but also establishes a scalable model that can be reproduced across other facilities throughout Alaska, especially in remote communities that primarily depend on diesel power.

Pathway to Decarbonization and Energy Independence

This initiative highlights an economically feasible approach to achieving decarbonization and energy independence for industrial sectors, utility companies, and rural communities alike. By turning waste heat into a valuable energy source, ICE Thermal Harvesting is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the future of energy use in remote areas. The successful deployment of the WHP system stands as a testament to the potential for innovative technologies to revolutionize traditional industries.

Learn More About ICE and UniSea
ICE Thermal Harvesting is dedicated to generating on-site energy solutions for clients by harnessing industrial waste heat as a fuel source. They provide turn-key solutions which not only result in cost savings but also lead to reduced emissions and improved operational efficiency. UniSea, on the other hand, is renowned for its commitment to producing premium seafood while fostering sustainability and innovative practices.

This endeavor could potentially serve as a blueprint for other industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing their energy solutions, making it a pivotal development for Alaska and beyond.