Geothermal Energy Systems
Building Blocks of Sustainability
GES News
First geothermal installation in South Africa!
MyPond Hotel in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, South Africa
First Geothermal System in South Africa goes live!
On Thursday April 30, 2009 the first heating and cooling system in southern africa - and quite possible Africa - that uses geothermal technology, went live. With no difficulty at all, the system was able to reduce the room temperature by 5°C within 20 minutes of being switched on in the reception area of the MyPond Hotel , Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. The new state-of-the-art system is expected to provide energy savings of up to 70% compared to conventional HVAC systems and significantly reduce the hotel's carbon footprint through the use of this renewable energy. The system was designed and installed by Geothermal Energy Systems (Pty) Ltd. of East London and opens a new era of responsible renewable energy use in South Africa.
Geothermal energy has been used to heat and air-condition buildings for several decades, tapping the energy in the earth's surface and driving a heating and air-conditioning system for both residential and commercial uses. The result is a green or natural heat pump that saves energy and benefits the environment.
MyPond Hotel, from the stable of Novate Property Investments, which was constructed at a cost of R9 million on the premises of Port Frances House in Van der Riet Street, will be the flagship hotel of the group's three franchise hotels to be developed in the Eastern Cape.
In addition to air conditioning, this technology will be used to heat water and provide the heating of the swimming pool.
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