Integration of waste heat recovery system in Olympic Center Rezekne
About this good practice
Olympic Center Rezekne (OCR) was established 2020 by Rezekne City Municipality according to the action plan of Latvian Government for the development of sports infrastructure of national importance. Municipality is the shareholder of limited liability company OCR. OCR was designed as a large sport facility consisting of football pitch, hotel, outdoor swimming pool and ice arena in order to link it with the pedestrian and cyclist promenade along the Rezekne River improved in the framework of cross-border project. Both projects were implemented based on the long-term planning process and investment plan for sustainable development of urban area. In the effort to reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions in new building municipality decided to try an innovative approach – to install solar panels on the hotel roof and to integrate waste heat energy recovery system in ice arena. Heat recovered from the refrigeration system in the ice rink is used both to heat the outdoor swimming pool and to produce domestic hot water for the OCR facilities. Thanks to improved public infrastructure that supports active lifestyle, sustainable mobility and raises awareness of local community related to energy efficiency OCR could attract private investment. Thus 2022 a charging station with 4 available chargers was installed in the OCR territory by private company (the first EV charging point in Latvia) fostering OCR visitors and hotel guests to smoother transition to EV.
Resources needed
OCR project being of national importance, the government budgeted a state grant for its full implementation. The total costs of construction - 21.5 million EUR. Four professionals at OCR and two external service companies are responsible for maintenance of energy and heat systems.
Evidence of success
Energy recovery solution in ice rink has enhanced energy efficiency in OCR as public building, reduced its operating costs, and contributes to environmental sustainability. Monthly energy savings are ~70-80 MWh (8500-10000 EUR), in particular, 40% consumption of waste heat from compressors in off-season, the energy balance is automatically monitored to achieve optimal conditions for both the ice rink and the swimming pool. OCR infrastructure is essential for the growing number of EV users.
Potential for learning or transfer
The global energy crisis has prompted the European Union to concentrate on enhancing energy efficiency in the building sector. OCR example demonstrates good approach to achieving this goal through development of sustainable multifunctional concepts, which enable efficient and flexible energy management thanks to variable infrastructure components. By managing the heating and cooling process in one system OCR can secure self-sufficient sports facility in terms of energy efficiency. OCR highlights synergistic cooperation between municipality and private company in developing of smart infrastructure bringing numerous benefits, both economically and socially. By adopting the proposed approach of sustainable urban planning, multifunctional building concepts can be easier transformed into energy hubs, contributing to energy efficiency, promoting sustainable energy practices and addressing the global energy crisis.
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