For this year’s World Geothermal Energy Day, it’s worth taking a closer look at the impact of geothermal technology in the design of energy-efficient aquatic facilities. In a time where sustainable solutions are no longer optional but essential, geothermal energy stands as a practical response to the growing need for environmentally conscious practices. At Oceanis, we are a part of this shift, integrating geothermal systems into aquatic facilities worldwide to reduce environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency.
Geothermal Energy in Aquatics
Geothermal energy—derived from the Earth’s natural heat—is one of the most reliable and sustainable energy sources available today. It’s a clean, renewable resource with minimal environmental impact. When applied to aquatic facilities, geothermal systems offer an efficient way to maintain water temperatures in pools and spas, as well as heat entire leisure centers, all while significantly lowering energy consumption.
Heating large aquatic spaces has traditionally been a resource-heavy process, consuming vast amounts of energy. Geothermal systems, by harnessing the steady heat beneath the Earth’s surface, provide a consistent, low-emission heating solution that drastically reduces reliance on conventional energy sources. This not only curbs carbon emissions but also offers long-term cost savings by stabilizing energy expenses, which is a crucial factor for public and private aquatic facilities alike.
Case Studies: Oceanis Projects Harnessing Geothermal Energy
We have successfully implemented geothermal energy systems in several landmark projects, setting a benchmark for aquatic design in our future developments.
Craigie Leisure Centre
The Craigie Leisure Centre in Western Australia exemplifies how geothermal technology can transform public facilities into energy-efficient spaces. Geothermal heating is utilised here to maintain ideal pool temperatures and supply heating throughout the facility.
Oceanis significantly enhanced the efficiency of the Centre’s previously underperforming geothermal system by designing advanced heat exchange systems that optimise heat extraction. Additionally, a complete redesign of the facility’s hydraulics maximised the extraction rates from the existing well while minimising system pressure drop. This upgrade allowed the Centre to retire its supplementary heat pumps, which had been in operation for the past 18 years, resulting in annual savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local council.
MLC-CCGS Aquatic Centre
In Melbourne, the MLC-CCGS Aquatic Centre has adopted geothermal energy, showcasing its efficiency in maintaining pool temperatures sustainably. Oceanis designed an innovative hybrid geothermal heating system for this facility, using latent energy from the existing CCGS geothermal water system to power both MLC and CCGS pools with only a modest 20% increase in energy usage. To maximise heat extraction, high delta-T, low-approach heat exchangers were selected, while advanced control systems, guided by smart algorithms, optimise energy use by factoring in time-of-day electricity rates and thermal capacitance. Together, these initiatives have led to a net energy reduction of 60% across the precinct, making the installation one of Australia’s most efficient heated aquatic facilities.
These projects are just two examples of Oceanis’ continuous commitment to sustainable design practices. As we continue to explore new energy solutions for aquatic design, geothermal technology remains one of the foundations of our strategy to enhance energy efficiency.
The Growing Global Trend Toward Sustainable Design
Geothermal energy is one part of a larger movement toward more sustainable practices in building and facility management. Across the globe, governments, businesses, and communities are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources as part of a broader effort to mitigate climate change. In the context of aquatic facilities, geothermal systems complement other innovations like solar power, energy-efficient building materials, and advanced water conservation technologies.
One of the most successful examples of geothermal energy use can be found in Iceland, where the majority of the country’s energy needs are met through geothermal and hydroelectric power. Public swimming pools, such as the iconic Blue Lagoon, are heated using geothermal energy, offering an eco-friendly leisure experience. Iceland’s leadership in geothermal energy shows what can be achieved when there is a commitment to renewable energy at every level, from infrastructure to public services.
Countries like the United States and New Zealand have also made significant strides in geothermal development, with numerous geothermal projects contributing to their national energy grids. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, geothermal energy is gaining recognition as a stable, sustainable solution with vast potential for both large-scale and localised applications.
Looking Forward: The Future of Energy-Efficient Aquatic Facilities
As the world moves toward a greener future, the role of geothermal energy in shaping sustainable aquatic facilities cannot be overstated. It offers a clean, efficient, and reliable energy source that not only reduces the environmental impact of large-scale leisure centers but also ensures long-term economic viability. The projects completed by Oceanis are just the beginning, as we continue to push for greater innovation in sustainable aquatic design.
While geothermal energy is a crucial part of this transition, it is only one element of the broader energy-smart design framework. Oceanis is committed to integrating multiple renewable energy sources and sustainability practices into our projects, from solar energy to advanced water conservation technologies. The future of aquatic facility design lies in combining these innovations to create spaces that are not only enjoyable for users but also responsible for their energy consumption and environmental impact.
