Gibsons, BC Geothermal District Heating Feasibility Study 20101

Gibsons, BC Geothermal District Heating Feasibility Study:

The Town of Gibsons, BC realized they had a unique opportunity to develop a green community when a local developer suggested homeowners were interested in reducing their impact on the environment. Many were familiar with GeoExchange systems but were hesitant to adopt the technology because of the high cost of the ground heat exchanger.

The Town was concerned that homeowners installing a GeoExchange system in their homes would be drilling boreholes into the aquifer supplying the town drinking water. Rather than restricting the use of vertical GHX to provide energy for homes in the community, the Town wanted to explore other options.

Working closely with the Town, Geo-Xergy determined that if park and greenbelt areas were available, it would be possible to construct a series of modular GHX in horizontal trenches without penetrating the clay overburden protecting the aquifer. It was also determined that a common GHX had great benefits for the Town and future homeowner, including:

• Homeowners could connect to the district system for a low monthly cost. Connection fees plus electricity cost to operate the system would be 10-15% lower than high-efficiency gas.
• The cost of installing a GeoExchange system would be similar to the cost of installing a high efficiency gas furnace and air conditioner.
• The geothermal utility could produce a new revenue stream for the community.
• Heat from the refrigeration plant in the Town owned hockey arena could enhance system efficiency.
• The nearby ocean could provide temperature stability by connecting it to the GHX.

The GHX could be designed to allow expansion as the development grows, and to allow other buildings, such as nearby schools, shopping malls and office buildings to be connected.