The geothermal system runs water through an underground loop and uses the stable temperature of the earth to gain or lose heat before running through 75 heat pumps to provide air-conditioning to the Hospital.
It’s design that has been in place since the hospital’s establishment in 1998, however was recently upgraded as the original system neared its end of life. It has been the preferred option over traditional external cooling towers due to the climate of the region.
The heat pump works alongside other sustainability initiatives including a 367-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system and 1,563 LED lighting upgrades to solidify Lithgow Hospital as a green powerhouse.
The 367-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at Lithgow is the largest single system in the LHD portfolio of 1,024 kilowatts. At the time of commissioning the solar photovoltaic system generates enough free and green energy to cover the hospital’s entire electricity requirements between 9am and 3pm on a bright summers day.
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District has invested in energy reduction initiatives across Lithgow, Nepean, Springwood, Blue Mountains Hospitals and Portland Tabulam Health Centre.
The energy reduction initiatives align with NSW Government mandatory targets to reduce energy consumption across all agencies. The initiatives at NBMLHD will deliver:
- 5.36 GWh reduction in Grid Electricity usage for NBMLHD - a massive 4.07 GWh from energy efficiency, and an additional 1.29 GWh from renewable energy generation per year
- Peak Demand Reduction of 785 kVA per year
- More than 15,000 light fittings converted to LED
- 1,024 kW Solar PV System across all sites
- Variety of mechanical plant and boiler upgrades
- 254 Sub meters for electricity (234), Gas & Water (20)
