Greenworks Commercial Powers World Ice Art Championships with 82V Battery Tech
- Fairbanks, Alaska is hosting a groundbreaking event this month, as the 2026 World Ice Art Championships witnesses the debut of battery-powered tools in its prestigious Multi Block Competition.
- The World Ice Art Championships, held annually in Fairbanks, draws over 100 sculptors from 30 countries and is renowned for its challenging conditions and large-scale creations.
- Greenworks’ decision to enter the competition with a fully battery-powered solution isn’t simply a demonstration of capability; it’s a statement about the maturity of battery technology for professional...
Fairbanks, Alaska is hosting a groundbreaking event this month, as the 2026 World Ice Art Championships witnesses the debut of battery-powered tools in its prestigious Multi Block Competition. Greenworks® Commercial, a leading manufacturer of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, is exclusively equipping one of the competing teams with its next-generation 82V OPTIMUS chainsaws, marking a significant milestone for both the competition and the advancement of battery technology.
The World Ice Art Championships, held annually in Fairbanks, draws over 100 sculptors from 30 countries and is renowned for its challenging conditions and large-scale creations. The Multi Block Competition, in particular, demands immense power and precision. Teams of four artists have six days to transform nine massive blocks of ice – each weighing over 3,000 pounds and measuring 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide, and 3 feet thick – into monumental sculptures. Traditionally, this has been accomplished using gas-powered chainsaws.
Greenworks’ decision to enter the competition with a fully battery-powered solution isn’t simply a demonstration of capability; it’s a statement about the maturity of battery technology for professional applications. The team, captained by Dean Demarais and including Ryan Anderson, David Smith, and Cad Kilpatrick, will rely entirely on Greenworks’ 82V OPTIMUS chainsaws, utilizing a range of bar lengths and power outputs. Crucially, they will be using the high-powered 82V 5.0 kW H.O.G. CHAINSAW, alongside Greenworks’ high-capacity 82V OPTIMUS batteries.
The shift to battery power addresses several practical concerns inherent in ice sculpting. Gas-powered chainsaws produce exhaust fumes, which can be problematic in the enclosed environments often used for the competition. They also require constant refueling and maintenance, disrupting the artists’ workflow. Battery-powered tools offer a cleaner, quieter, and more convenient alternative, allowing sculptors to focus on their art without interruption. The sustained power and consistent performance of the OPTIMUS tools are expected to be key advantages throughout the six-day event.
Greenworks’ OPTIMUS line is designed for professional users who require reliable performance. According to Yin Chen, CEO of Greenworks, “Our OPTIMUS lineup is designed for professionals who depend on consistent performance day after day.” The World Ice Art Championships, with its demanding conditions and high visibility, provides a unique proving ground for this claim. The company believes the event demonstrates that next-generation battery technology can deliver unmatched performance even in the most rigorous environments.
The implications of this demonstration extend beyond the art world. The success of battery-powered chainsaws in the Multi Block Competition could accelerate the adoption of similar technology in other professional outdoor power equipment applications, such as forestry, landscaping, and construction. The ability to deliver comparable or superior performance to gas-powered tools, without the emissions and logistical challenges, is a compelling proposition for businesses and professionals alike.
The Multi Block Competition commenced on , and will conclude on , with an awards ceremony scheduled for . Throughout the competition, attendees will have the opportunity to observe the Greenworks tools in action and witness firsthand the capabilities of battery-powered technology. Further details about the competition and participating artists can be found at icealaska.com, and information about Greenworks Commercial’s product line is available at greenworkscommercial.com.
Greenworks Commercial, established in 2002, has focused exclusively on lithium-ion battery technology for outdoor power equipment. The company’s commitment to battery power is evident in its development of complete fleet capabilities tailored for landscaping and tree care professionals, and its expanding network of servicing dealers. This latest demonstration at the World Ice Art Championships underscores Greenworks’ position as a pioneer in the transition towards a more sustainable and efficient future for outdoor power equipment.