Turning Waste into Watts: Innovation in Dutch Harbor
- johnpreed4
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
In a remote corner of Alaska, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that could reshape how we think about energy in rural and industrial communities.
UniSea, a major seafood processor in Dutch Harbor, has partnered with ICE Thermal Harvesting to launch Alaska’s first Waste Heat to Power (WHP) system in the seafood industry. At first glance, it might seem like a niche technical upgrade. But in reality, it’s a bold step toward energy innovation in one of the most logistically challenging regions in the U.S.
What UniSea and ICE have done is tap into a resource that’s been hiding in plain sight: waste heat.
Every industrial process generates heat, and much of it goes unused. ICE’s modular system captures that excess heat and converts it into usable electricity. It’s not just efficient—it’s elegant. The system is compact, scalable, and integrates into existing infrastructure without major overhauls. For UniSea, it means saving thousands of gallons of diesel annually. For Alaska, it’s a model that could be replicated in other remote or energy-intensive industries.
This isn’t about replacing existing energy sources—it’s about enhancing them. In Alaska, where diesel remains a reliable and essential part of the energy mix, technologies like WHP offer a way to stretch resources further and build resilience into the system. They also support broader goals of energy efficiency and cost reduction, benefiting both businesses and communities.
But perhaps most importantly, this project shows what’s possible when industry and innovation intersect. It’s a reminder that the energy transition doesn’t have to be disruptive or distant. It can begin with a single facility, a smart partnership, and a willingness to rethink what’s considered “waste.”
For emerging leaders in Alaska’s energy space, this is a call to stay curious. The future of energy here won’t be shaped by one technology or one sector—it will be built through collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to rethink the familiar.