Oceanis is pleased to announce our involvement in one of the largest aquatic centres in North America. Recognised internationally for expertise in aquatic facilities and second-generation geothermal heating systems, Oceanis has been invited to participate in the design of the City of Regina’s geothermal heating system that will heat the City’s new Indoor Aquatic Facility (IAF).
This groundbreaking project will utilize direct heat deep geothermal energy to provide a cleaner and sustainable energy source for the IAF. This project takes a significant step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels, and supporting City Council’s framework to become a renewable city by 2050.
This announcement follows the March 7, 2024 funding announcement where the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, along with the City, confirmed a combined investment of over $108.1 million to support the new aquatic facility and $20 million towards the geothermal heating system. Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada Sean Fraser, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Government Relations Minister Don McMorris, and then-Mayor of Regina Sandra Masters shared their enthusiasm for the project’s benefits and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“As a government, we are proud to support projects that not only help communities accommodate their growth but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions along the way,” said Minister Fraser. “I am excited that this new facility will not only do that but will also bring people together for decades to come.” More details available here.
The new IAF will be located at the Sportplex site, east of the Fieldhouse/Lawson Aquatic Centre. Learn more about Regina’s renewable initiatives.
Oceanis is leading the mechanical surface infrastructure for the geothermal design of this innovative deep well geothermal heating project, alongside Rockwater, another Western Australian-based firm specialising in hydrogeological and well design. Oceanis and Rockwater have worked together on numerous geothermal aquatic centre and pool heating projects internationally, significantly improving system performance with enhanced and innovative engineering approaches.
Over the years, Oceanis has developed methodologies in heating and energy-use optimisation techniques, improving upon transfer efficiencies, and minimising bore construction, operating costs, maintenance, and re-development costs, and by managing aquatic centre designs holistically to create highly energy efficient, low-emission aquatics facilities.
This expertise uniquely positions Oceanis to support the City of Regina successfully deliver this groundbreaking facility and achieve its sustainability goals.
“We are thrilled to leverage our global expertise to help the City of Regina, and to be working closely with local engineering firm MacPherson Engineering, to bring their vision for innovative sustainable energy to reality.”, says Oceanis Director Ken Shular.
This City’s deep geothermal project is a testament to their plan to be a renewable community by 2050 as detailed in the Energy and Sustainability Framework. This project builds upon a geothermal test well drilled at the University of Regina in 1979 into the same aquifer and depth, providing important well data including core samples that will help inform the design work.
The next project phase focuses on detailed design and engineering, working closely with the City’s project team to ensure seamless integration of the geothermal system with the IAF. The City has also engaged the services of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) to provide advisory services for the project.
This project positions the City of Regina as an international leader in cleaner energy. We are excited to help bring this vision to life and showcase the transformative power of cleaner energy.
Oceanis invites aquatic operators to connect and learn more about our innovative approaches to aquatic facility design, energy efficiency, and second-generation geothermal systems.
Oceanis International is one of Australia’s most experienced aquatics design specialists for water-based facilities. Founded in 1998, Oceanis has been providing consultancy services in Australia and around the world for more than 20 years. With a team that includes pool designers, professional engineers and project managers with broad aquatics and commercial experience, Oceanis has developed a strong reputation for high-quality, value-driven aquatics and water treatment specialty consultancy services, with experience as both a project leader and as a collaborator within multi-disciplinary teams.
More about Oceanis at: oceanis.com.au.