An idea has been floated to build an ice house on Mars in the Polar Ice Cap. The concept is the brainchild of Lance Winslow; stating that the ice is a source of water and can be separated out for oxygen, water could be used for mini-hydroelectric motors. Additionally the hydrogen could be used as well. There has been some critique of this concept by scientists and Mars Colony academia experts, who say that there are several reasons why the ice house concept will not work.

The ice colony would be similar to the James Bond Movie that took place as the ice hotel? There is actually a place where they build one every year for visitors. Using this idea to build an ice colony on Mars tunneling under the ice, chipping away and building rooms.

Scientists debate that to make energy to make hydrogen and oxygen from water. So you don't gain anything in terms of energy by doing that. All you do is transform the energy from either solar or nuclear into chemical storage that can be used later. Several people have proposed using a nuclear reactor to supply energy to convert the CO2 and H2O into Methane (CH4) and O2. The you can use the oxygen to breath and use the methane and oxygen for rocket fuel.

They do agree that the melted ice can be used to drink and use for plant growth, but believe that it will take nuclear power to do it and believe that hydroelectric power will not be available. One went on to say melting the ice doesn't gain you flowing water for hydroelectricity.

Unfortunately the scientists are completely incorrect in that their assessment of this situation as if you build an ice house and melt the ice above you can allow it to flow downward to your tiny hydro wheels to generate electricity. Additionally using new membrane technologies you can send the water back up for another go around at the water wheel. Obviously melting ice itself does not gain the flow of water and takes heat to do so. Yet there will be heat within the colony and heat rises, thus unexposed ice will melt.

The scientists cite the fact that the polar caps on Mars are dark for 11 months and during that time the temperature drops to -195F and the atmosphere starts to freeze on as dry ice and dry ice snow. The water caves probably wouldn't provide enough protection from the cold and you'd still need an energy source, probably nuclear.

Just because the surface temps are