Study to probe use of geothermal heat at city arena

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This article was published 20/12/2023 (659 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Winnipeg will explore a greener method to heat one of its arenas.

The government recently sought bids to conduct a feasibility study on the use of a ground-source heat-pump system. The winning bidder will be tasked with exploring the option of adding a ground-source, or geothermal, system at one city-owned and operated arena (that has not yet been chosen), potentially using its “waste heat” in the process.

In an email, city spokesman Adam Campbell said the study supports the city’s goal to reduce carbon emissions in cost-effective ways.

“These systems, powered by electricity, could potentially help us use less energy. The study is specifically looking into whether we can capture and use the waste heat from the arena refrigeration systems. Even though ground-source heat pumps are a proven technology in Manitoba, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate everything to make sure we choose the best course of action,” wrote Campbell.

A request for proposals notes the system would be expected to reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.

Ground-source heat pumps circulate fluid through a loop of pipes buried underground. The fluid can absorb heat from the earth in winter or return it to the earth in summer, according to Efficiency Manitoba.

The feasibility study would evaluate that system for one arena, complete a cost-benefit analysis for the proposed system and estimate any savings over its life cycle.

Efficiency Manitoba estimates such systems can reduce electric heating bills by up to 60 per cent.

Coun. Brian Mayes, chairman of city council’s water, waste and environment committee, said he’s pleased to see the city explore the green heating source, since it currently relies largely on natural gas. If the idea is deemed successful, he hopes it can be implemented at multiple city arenas.

“People have been meeting with us for years to talk about arenas and the waste heat and geothermal possibilities… Let’s get the study going. The arena is spewing heat out, so you can take that and make use of that,” said Mayes.

The councillor said heat-pump technology has greatly improved in recent years. While it may still be more expensive than traditional heat sources, the switch would produce valuable environmental benefits, since geothermal heat doesn’t produce direct emissions, he said.

“It would reduce our reliance on natural gas and there are climate-change reasons to try and reduce (our) consumption… this is another part of that puzzle, in building heating,” said Mayes.

Bids for the work were due on Dec. 15. The city expects to pay up to $70,000 for the contract.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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