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Economic Performance Indicators for a Geothermal Aquatic Center in Victoria, Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Boxiang Fu

    (Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Graeme Beardsmore

    (School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Rachel Webster

    (School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia)

Abstract

The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) opened in the town of Traralgon, Victoria, Australia early in 2021. The GRAC utilizes a geothermal energy heating system as an alternative to conventional natural gas furnaces. We have examined 12 full months of heat production from the geothermal system of the GRAC and compared its economic performance against equivalent heat production by natural gas. The geothermal system—the first of its kind in Victoria—operated at >95% availability over its first year of operation. Our economic assessment indicates that the breakeven price for the geothermal energy is about 35% the equivalent price of natural gas and the payback period for the geothermal system is about five years. The results justify the initial capital outlay by Latrobe City Council and are likely to stimulate further development of geothermal heat systems in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Boxiang Fu & Graeme Beardsmore & Rachel Webster, 2023. "Economic Performance Indicators for a Geothermal Aquatic Center in Victoria, Australia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:5:p:2134-:d:1076948
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