cogen system to cover half of rec club’s electricity demands

cogen system
Left to right: Mingara Leisure Group chairman Phil Walker, Mingara Recreation Club facility's manager Andy Lord, Member for Dobell Karen McNamara MP and Mayor Wyong Shire Council Doug Eaton officially launch the sustainability initiative

More than 100 people gathered in October to witness Mingara Recreation Club launch a 2x229kW cogeneration system that produces cleaner onsite electricity than conventional grid supplied power. The state-of-the-art system utilises waste heat to provide hot water for the centre’s three swimming pools and showers.

The initiative is hoped to deliver financial and environment benefits for up to 20 years. Producing up to 50 per cent of the club’s overall electricity, it’s expected to reduce carbon emissions by 1500 tonnes every year, cutting the club’s annual energy costs by about $350,000.

Key members of local councils attended the official opening of the energy project to show support, including Wyong Shire Mayor Doug Eaton and Gosford City Councillor Bob Ward.

Designed and installed by Simons Green Energy, the project received $818,872 in grant funding provided by the federal government.

Simons Green Energy chief executive officer Derek Simons said the project, “is the result of the government’s clear understanding of what the industry needs and it shows the benefits that this support will deliver for the community”.

Mayor Eaton congratulated Mingara and Simons Green Energy on the commissioning of the plant at Mingara Recreation Club, saying it’s a “win” for all involved.

“The council is a partner of Mingara in both the indoor aquatic facility and the synthetic athletic track and the saving in energy cost will keep these facilities operating more efficiently, more cost-effectively and in an environmentally friendly way,” he said.

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