Introducing AquaFreezing:
Encouraging the natural process of Arctic sea ice generation.

Through our work, we are aiming to prove out an intelligent, data-led approach to increasing levels of sea ice in remote areas using renewable sources with no emissions.

OUR MISSION

How it works

A

Real Ice will use renewable energy generation (wind or solar power) to create green Hydrogen. At scale, this can be used to power Underwater drones to restore and preserve Arctic sea ice in remote regions of the Arctic Ocean. Satellite communication will also be used to facilitate re-icing planning at ocean scale.

B

The water pumping system for large-scale operations will be delivered by an underwater drone with a hydrogen fuel cell energy system. Depending on the function (ice-making or snow-making) and on the ice conditions (e.g., how well water spreads in the area), they will remain in position from a few hours to a few days.

C

At the beginning of winter, we will flood the sea ice with sea water to create an extra layer of sea ice and remove the insulating snow layer.

D

At the end of winter, we will re-create the snow layer to protect the sea ice from solar radiations, helping it last longer through the summer months.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Station was a portable electrical power generator that was designed and built by the RIDC team for deployment on the field trip to Cambridge Bay in January 2024. The system is based on a PEM fuel cell that converts hydrogen gas and oxygen from the surrounding air into electricity. The Power Station will allow the team to run the submersible water pump, used for flooding the sea ice, for several hours off a single hydrogen cylinder.

Demonstration of the Fuel Cell Power Station:

Chief Engineer Andrew Woods walking us through the operation of the power station that we took to Cambridge Bay for Field Testing in January, 2024.

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES

ADAPTABILITY

Any proposed solution to Arctic sea ice melt must keep the needs of Arctic communities front and center. We will consistently and meaningfully engage with all relevant stakeholders in the Arctic as a critical part of the process.

BIOMIMICRY

Our technology is simple in its design and leverages existing components, reducing time-to-deployment. Because of this, we are able to quickly adapt to changing environmental needs.

RESPONSIBILITY

By re-creating natural processes using emissions-free technology, we are encouraging the natural processes of Arctic sea ice generation. Our goal is to minimise disruption to the natural environment.