Harnessing Lake Geneva’s power
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? Harnessing Lake Geneva’s Power for a Sustainable Future ?
Imagine a future where our buildings are cooled by the pristine waters of Lake Geneva, reducing energy consumption by a whopping 80% and slashing CO2 emissions. It’s not science fiction; it’s happening right now, for example in the GeniLac project by Services Industriels de Genève (SIG).
This innovative underground hydrothermal network will weave its way beneath Geneva, connecting key areas like the airport, university, and hospitals. GeniLac utilizes the constant 7-8°C temperature of Lake Geneva’s depths, and is transferring thermal energy efficiently and eco-consciously into the buildings.
GeniLac has plans to connect up to 350 buildings by 2045. This could save a staggering 70 GWh per year, equivalent to powering 27,000 households and cutting carbon emissions by 70,000 tonnes annually.
The Palais des Nations, home to the UN, leads the way, already using lake water for cooling. Soon, it will embrace lake water heating with heat pumps, making it one of the most energy-efficient UN complexes globally. Other international organizations are following suit, making sustainable choices for our planet’s future.
There are two environmental risks connected to the project. The first is the question if the lake’s temperature remains stable. The current project is considered too small to have an impact and so it’s crucial to consider the cumulative effect of similar projects on our ecosystems.
The second one concerns the chlorine which is used to prevent pipe clogs from quagga mussels. The public is assured, that the concentrations are well within federal standards, and alternatives are being explored.
This groundbreaking project is a testament to human ingenuity and our commitment to a sustainable future. If you’re passionate about innovative solutions and want to learn more about harnessing our resources for a greener tomorrow, get connected and join us for a better resource use. ??
