Shared termal energy

About this good practice

By project SYMBI

Published on 14 December 2018

Slovenia

Zahodna Slovenija

Aquapark Atlantis (the biggest pool complex in Ljubljana) has agreed with AquafilSlo to exchange the heat energy. Aquafil distributes its surplus of heat energy to Atlantis's swimming pools and thus fulfill 100 % of Atlantis needs. Since both companies are located next to each other, such agreement enables high reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to greener city. On top of its environmental sustainability, the project brings economic effects. The heat energy in form of hot water, using now by Atlantis, is produced within the process of producing the ECONYL. Part of this energy is used back in production cycle, while the surplus has until now represented unexploited energy potential. In regular industrial process, this surplus of heated water should be cooled down and therefore it would represent costs or environmental burden (increased temperature of natural stream). By constructing few pipelines between both companies (with the support of the local administration), both companies benefitted from each other, resulting in reduced costs for electricity and heating, lower carbon emissions and improving quality in the living area. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyC8Mp1f8JA&t=28s

Resources needed

The symbiosis was launched in December 2015. Both companies invested 300.000 EUR together to adapt technological facilities and to make the whole process of exchange possible.

Evidence of success

As estimated by both companies, there is a 2.000 tons of CO2 saved per year, which can be compared to 1.100 vehicles, each making 12.700 km per year.

Potential for learning or transfer

This case should serve as a role model for other companies that are trying to set up an industrial symbiosis. Such cases should not be limited only on exchange of energy, but other resources as well. Having such case, we can learn how to initiate a dialogue between companies, how to find synergies, adapt business model, tackle with administrative and legal affairs and make the infrastructure in the function of industrial symbiosis.