Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre relies on geothermally-heated water

The newly opened Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in the Victorian city of Traralgon is innovating in using geothermally heated water in its swimming pool.

The first project of its kind in Victoria, with the potential to usher in new geothermal opportunities for the state, groundwater used in the Centre, with a temperature of 67°C is accessed via a 644 metre deep Burong Formation aquifer bore, with 100% injection into the same aquifer via a dedicated injection bore, 450 metre away.

Geothermal experts Rockwater designed the project, supervised drilling, construction and testing of the geothermal bores and provided ongoing project support, including the development of Victoria’s first Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Geothermal Scheme Project Plan.

With the pools inside the facility constructed using Myrtha Pools technology, the Italian-based company’s experience with artesian and thermal water when used in facilities in other parts of the world, complemented the designers’ abilities in undertaking the project.

The Centre consists of a 50 metre indoor swimming pool with a moveable boom, 25 metre outdoor pool, learn to swim pool, program pool with spa and a toddler pool.

The facility also includes a large Aqua Tower and two waterslides.

In 2019, Peter Brook, Design Director at Peddle Thorp, advised that it would “also include (an) indoor water play zone; warm water therapy pool with spa; designated learn to swim pool; sauna and steam rooms; wellness centre; café and retail precinct; gymnasium and group fitness rooms; wet and dry change facilities; 25 metre outdoor pool; and two large water slides.”

In 2016, LIWA Aquatics report on available energy technologies assessed sources including natural gas powered cogeneration, solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal and ground-source heat pumps, suggesting each had the potential to deliver significant industry savings.

Described by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a “vital, clean energy resource,” geothermal energy refers to underground heat which can be used to produce renewable energy.

The DOE adds that geothermal energy “supplies renewable power around the clock and emits little or no greenhouse gases.”