There is increasing public concern about the impact of climate change. In response, many organisations have established ambitious environmental aspirations and targets. As such, Thurles Town Council is keen to reduce their environmental impact and dependency on fossil fuels.
A biomass boiler was commissioned at Thurles Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre by a Waterford based renewable energy company, Enerpower. A 550kW Gilles wood chip boiler was installed to replace two existing LPG boilers. 100% of the facilities hot water and space heating is now provided by renewable energy. As biomass is considered carbon neutral, 390 tonnes of carbon emissions will be saved annually.
In the photo: Paddy Phelan (TEA- Tipperary Energy Agency), John Ryan (Thurles Town Council), Owen Power (Managing Director, Enerpower), Celine Boyer (Thurles Leisure Centre Manager).
Owen Power managing Director of Enerpower said “In today’s climate of escalating fossil fuel prices and concern for the environment, Thurles Town Council stands as a testament to forward thinking”.
In addition to contributing to the green image of Thurles Town Council, the project has dramatically reduced heating costs at the swimming pool. As woodchip is significantly cheaper than LPG or oil, the move to biomass will reduce the pool’s annual heating costs by more than 50%.
Thurles town council have signed a maintenance and fuel supply contract with Enerpower. Fuel is sourced from a Tipperary based woodchip producer, which helps develop the local wood infrastructure and benefits the local economy. Woodchip can vary in quality as it is a natural raw material. However, Enerpower sell heat per kWh which guarantees value for money. Thurles Swimming Pool enjoys peace of mind as their heating costs remain stable while the price of fossil fuels continues to rise.
Swimming pools and leisure centres offer an excellent opportunity for biomass because of the large and relatively steady heat loads. The Gilles 550kw woodchip biomass boiler installed at Thurles swimming pool is linked to a building energy management system. In the event that the back-up LPG boiler is required the BMS will automatically activate it. The boiler system is fully automated. A swept arm transports the woodchip fuel to an auger which feeds it to the boiler. If for any reason the flow of woodchip stops an alarm is activated.
Enerpower provided a complete turnkey solution for Thurles Leisure Centre. Please contact us if you would like to know more.
Contact us on +353 051 364 054 for more information or email us directly below.
