GroundProbe, Orica and Nilus Unite to Combat Glacier Retreat and Water Scarcity in Chile

The accelerating effects of climate change are nowhere more evident than in Chile, where glacier retreat and water scarcity are becoming increasingly urgent issues…

…To address these challenges, GroundProbe, Orica, and Nilus have come together in a groundbreaking collaboration made possible by the Orica Impact Fund. This initiative empowers Nilus, a Chilean geoengineering company, to advance sustainable water management and environmental conservation efforts in some of the world’s most vulnerable high-altitude ecosystems.

A United Mission for Sustainability

The Orica Impact Fund is dedicated to generating positive social and environmental impacts in the communities where Orica operates. As part of this commitment, Nilus has been awarded a two-year grant to launch the Nilus Innovative Development to Restore High Mountain Ecosystems Initiative. Through this program, Nilus is pioneering new approaches to combat water scarcity in regions heavily impacted by glacier retreats exacerbated by the ongoing global climate crisis.

Nilus, driven by artificial intelligence and grounded in nature-based solutions, specializes in scalable technologies designed to enhance water availability in fragile environments. Artificial Ice Reservoirs are among its most innovative developments, a sustainable solution that increases water retention in high-altitude areas by replicating natural glacier processes.

Leadership Perspectives

David Noon, CEO of GroundProbe, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:

“We are immensely proud to have facilitated the Orica Impact Fund, and our GroundProbe team in Chile is eager to partner with Nilus on their mission to mitigate the impacts of climate change. We are also honoured to contribute to this sustainability effort, which combines cutting-edge technology with the preservation of high-mountain ecosystems and active community involvement. Nilus’ goal of revitalising at least one glacier by 2030 through efficient water storage in ice reservoirs is visionary and, in my estimate, attainable.”

Sebastian Goldschmidt, CEO of Nilus, shared the company’s vision:

“The artificial ice reserve structures, each capable of storing up to 20,000 cubic meters of water, leverage the natural gravitational flow of glacier meltwater in high-altitude regions—an ingeniously simple solution. Our goal in the next stage is to implement the first hydric research park in the Americas, with a storage capacity of 100,000 cubic meters. As a reference, this could provide water supply to over 5,000 people for three months, significantly boosting water security and resilience.”

A Comprehensive Approach to Glacier Conservation

Nilus is more than just a tech company; it is a purpose-driven startup focused on restoring high-mountain ecosystems through innovative solutions. Sebastian underscored this holistic approach, noting that Nilus’ efforts span beyond technology into education and community engagement.

“We are a tech-purpose startup focused on restoring high-mountain ecosystems by implementing artificial ice reserves, with the ultimate goal of rejuvenating our glaciers. Our global network includes organizations, people, professionals, and scientists from various fields around the world, as well as communities and, of course, children—our future generations—through an educational program, achieving a comprehensive approach. Our partnership with Orica and GroundProbe underscores our ability to tackle water-related challenges on a global scale.”

Moving Towards a Sustainable Future

As the effects of glacier retreat and water scarcity continue to impact Chile, the collaboration between GroundProbe, Orica, and Nilus offers a beacon of hope. The Nilus Innovative Development to Restore High Mountain Ecosystems Initiative aims to create lasting solutions that enhance water security and restore fragile ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

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