World‘s Largest Private Residential Geothermal System

The world’s largest privately owned residential geothermal system is now complete. Stage 1, with an initial capacity of 300kW, has been successfully commissioned and is performing as expected. Designed to scale up to nearly 1MW across multiple stages, the system delivers heating, cooling, pool heating, and domestic hot water (DHW) for several buildings.

This innovative system, featuring STIEBEL ELTRON heat pumps, connects to 90 x 120m geothermal probes. It significantly outperforms the fossil fuel system it replaces, both in efficiency and sustainability.

Environmental Impact and Emissions Reduction
The previous LPG-based system consumed 4500MJ per hour, equivalent to approximately 44.6 US gallons of LPG. Each gallon of LPG combusted emits 5.6 kg of CO2. Over a typical 6-month heating season, with the pool maintained for 14 hours daily, the system emitted 14,268 kg of CO2 annually.

By switching to a geothermal solution, CO2 emissions are reduced by 70%, eliminating 9,988 kg of emissions each year. This change not only lowers the property’s carbon footprint but also improves energy efficiency and sustainability.

Key Features of the Project

• 90 boreholes, each 120m deep, provide extensive thermal storage capacity.
• 250mm primary flow and return lines, extending 300m to a remote bore field, enable efficient heat transfer.
• 3 WPEI 87 heat pumps installed, with plans to expand to 9 units for increased capacity.
• 150mm stainless steel pipework in the plant room ensures durability and efficient heat exchange.
• 300kW pool heating capacity, delivering sustainable year-round heating.
• 600kW forced air heating and cooling, ensuring reliable climate control for all buildings.
• 1MW scaling potential, with future stages designed to meet the needs of additional buildings.
• Installed by Radiant Heating & Cooling Solutions
• Ground Heat Exchanger designed by GeoExchange Australia
• Controlled by the award-winning Ekinex control platform

This project highlights the expertise of Radiant Heating & Cooling Solutions, who integrated all components into a compact, aesthetically designed plant room. Their work ensures functionality without compromising visual appeal.

Energy and Cost Savings
The geothermal system is projected to save approximately $300K annually due to its high efficiency compared to traditional fossil fuel systems. These savings benefit the property owner financially and support Australia’s broader shift toward renewable energy solutions.

A Model for Sustainable Energy
As this project progresses, it will showcase the potential of large-scale geothermal energy in residential applications. The innovative use of STIEBEL ELTRON’s heat pump technology serves as a blueprint for similar projects, paving the way for cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling systems.

STIEBEL ELTRON is proud to contribute to this groundbreaking project. Our advanced technology underpins this solution, aligning with our commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions. Together, we’re shaping the future of renewable energy in Australia.