Cogen system cuts carbon emissions in half

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

Simons Green Energy won a tender bid to design, supply, commission and maintain a 229 kW cogeneration system at the centre. The new system will provide up to 85% of the centre’s electricity demand, as well as providing hot water for space heating and the swimming pools.

The natural-gas-fired system will run for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, reducing the centre’s carbon emissions by 1332 tonnes each year - the equivalent of taking 296 cars off the road each year.

Simons Green Energy successfully commissioned the project on time. It is expected to be officially launched in September 2013.

“The cogeneration system at Wagga Wagga’s Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre will deliver compelling environmental and financial benefits, and demonstrates the centre’s commitment to sustainability within the region,” said Derek Simons, Simons Green Energy CEO.

“We are very proud of being part of this sustainable energy project that will benefit Wagga Wagga’s community and the generations to come.”

In the first year of operation, the system is expected to reduce energy costs by approximately $276,000. After that, it will save an estimated average of $320,000 each year for the first five years. Simons Green Energy estimates the return on investment of the project is approximately 50% per annum.

The project 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 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,” said Ben Creighton, manager of the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre.

“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.”