Castle Hill RSL Club cuts carbon footprint with cogeneration

On 15 September 2011, Castle Hill RSL Club’s C2K Aquatic Centre turned on a new source of electricity and heat in order to improve energy efficiency while reducing its energy costs and its carbon footprint. After just five months of operation, the results prove that the cogeneration system designed and installed by Simons Green Energy has significantly reduced energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The cogeneration plant supplies 70% of the building’s electricity demand and provides the hot water required for the complex’s four swimming pools, showers and other domestic hot water needs. The system comprises a 142 kilowatt (kWe) reciprocating gas engine, a series of heat exchangers and a hot water storage tank. It is combined heat and power (CHP) technology that converts natural gas into on-site electricity and captures the waste heat from the engine to provide the ‘free’ heat.

Considering the growing concern about sustainability and the increasing energy prices, Castle Hill RSL identified the need to reduce its energy expenditure and carbon footprint as part of its strategic support for environmental sustainability practices. Obviously, these initiatives also had to ensure the reliable availability of electricity for the Fitness and Aquatic Centre.

After a period of initial investigation, analysis and technical advice, the engineering team at Simons Green Energy worked closely with the club’s facilities management team to ensure a smooth installation of the unit. Its performance and energy usage have been constantly monitored since the installation was completed in September 2011.

The first figures available from the electricity analysis prove that the cogeneration system has reduced the greenhouse gas emissions from 164 to 104 tonnes per month. This shows that the cogeneration system is performing as expected, with an estimated annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to planting 3500 trees.

The club’s energy savings have ranged from $5400 to $7150 per month, resulting in an average monthly saving of approximately $6400. This implies a return on investment of around 15% per annum, and with the plant anticipated to operate for up to 25 years, this represents an outstanding long-term investment for the club. There is also potential for more savings as grid-based electricity prices rise rapidly over the next several years.

Castle Hills RSL sees the additional benefits of its cogeneration system as:

• Waste heat, obtained for ‘free’ from the unit, is now used for pool heating and domestic hot water.
• Greenhouse gas emission reductions are equivalent to planting about 1445 trees.
• Overall energy efficiency is now around 85% compared to the 25-30% for conventional grid-supplied electricity.
• Energy costs have been dramatically reduced.

When asked about the significance of this project to Castle Hill RSL Club, Facility Manager Alan Depaoli said, “With several months of reliable and low-cost operation, I am convinced that this has been an outstanding investment for the club.”

Derek Simons, CEO of Simons Green Energy, added, “Together, Simons Green Energy and Castle Hill RSL have successfully implemented a sustainable and cost-efficient energy system, setting a benchmark for the club industry and demonstrating its application for other similar sites throughout NSW and Australia.”