The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) at Traralgon was developed by the Latrobe City Council and the Victoria Government. It is a major showcase facility for competitive swimming, leisure, community use and major regional events.
GRAC has a significant energy load, with pool heating representing the bulk of the energy consumption.
Rockwater was extensively involved in the Taralgon project, from initial stages to project-commissioning. Our work involved a feasibility assessment, developing RFQ documentation, reviewing contractor submissions, and supervising the drilling and testing of a 640 m deep production bore.
The production bore targeted hot water in a highly-permeable aquifer that is thermally insulated by overlying coal measures.
Rockwater also supervised the construction and testing of an injection bore to 620 m depth. The injection bore is used to dispose of the cooled water after it has passed through a heat exchanger.
The system was successfully tested in early 2020 at a temperature of 68°C, exceeding all expectations.
