Cogeneration for Wagga Wagga aquatic centre

Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre in Wagga Wagga is set to save approximately $276,000 in energy costs, and cut carbon emissions by up to 55% in the first year of operation, with its new state-of-the-art cogeneration system.

After a successful tender bid, Simons Green Energy was appointed to design, supply, commission and maintain the 229 kW cogeneration system, which will be officially launched in September. The system will provide up to 85% of the centre’s electricity demand and will supply hot water for space heating and for the swimming pools.

The installation of the energy system was made possible through co-funding by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, under its Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP).  With a project cost of approximately $431,000, the project payback period is expected to be less than two years.

The manager of the aquatic centre, Ben Creighton, said, “The installation of a 229 kW cogeneration system at the Oasis Aquatic Centre has been a very successful project for Wagga Wagga City Council in partnership with CEEP and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The commissioned plant is now in operation and is producing a significant reduction in energy costs, while also providing environmental benefits through the reduction in carbon emissions.”

Benefits provided by the system include:

• Reducing energy costs by approximately $276,000 in the first year and an estimated average of $320,000 annually over the first five years.
• An estimated return on investment of approximately 50% per annum.
• Reducing carbon emissions by 1332 tonnes per annum, which is equivalent to taking 296 cars off the road every year.
• Producing 358 kW (t) of thermal output in the form of hot water as a ‘free’ by-product from the engine’s waste heat stream.

Simons Green Energy’s CEO, Derek Simons, said the company is “very proud of being part of this sustainable energy project that will benefit Wagga Wagga’s community and the generations to come”.