The indoor swimming pools and air temperature inside Geraldton’s Aquarena are now heated using state-of-the-art geothermal technology.

By using innovative heat exchanger technology, water pumped from 50 metres below the ground is used to heat the pools and air inside the centre. The water is then injected back into the ground at another location.

Geothermal energy is renewable and cost efficient, making the Aquarena environmentally friendly for a sustainable future.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter, who officially flicked the switch turning the system on, said the geothermal system was a big win environmentally and financially for the City.

“The new system has the potential to cut the Aquarena’s gas consumption by up to 70 % per annum, saving the City of Greater Geraldton around $84,000 every year,” Mayor Carpenter explained.

“Along with the reduction in gas consumption, the geothermal heating system will also have a huge impact in reducing CO2 emissions with an average annual carbon offset of approximately 108 tonnes.”

The project has received generous funding from the Department of Industry and Science, with the Federal Government generously provided a grant of $795,822 for the works. The remaining funding has been provided by the City.

The total cost for the energy efficiency project was just over $1million. This includes the installation of variable speed drives, pump upgrades, pool blankets and water wise technologies.

The combined energy efficiency upgrades will see a positive return to the City after three years.