Only thermal spring in Wales gets new role as renewable heat source

How the system works:

• Kensa’s ground source heat pumps are usually set up to source energy from the ground to provide heating and hot water.
• The one-of-a-kind installation at Taff’s Well pumps warm water from the spring and passes it through a nearby heat exchanger, which is connected to Kensa’s ground source heat pumps housed inside the school and pavilion.
• Heat energy stored in the warm spring water is absorbed and converted by the heat pumps into usable energy for the school and pavilion’s heating and hot water systems.
• While in the system, the water is confined to its own pipework, mostly hidden under the ground and out of sight, and doesn’t encounter any other substances to ensure there’s no issue of contamination or pollution.
• To keep the connecting pipework hidden and to avoid above-ground damage, Kensa horizontally drilled hundreds of meters between the Well, the school, and the pavilion.
• After passing through the system, the clean water is emptied back into the Well’s overflow, feeding into the River Taff.
• This is the only system installed by Kensa that uses a natural thermal spring as a heat source.

Dr Stuart Gadsden, Kensa Contracting commercial director, said:

“This is an incredibly unique system and really demonstrates how versatile Kensa’s ground source heat pumps are. It was great to show the pupils how their exciting new heating system works and how it will reduce their carbon footprint.

“Using the historic Taff’s Well thermal spring as a renewable heat source is a brilliant example of how bold ideas can lead to something that benefits future generations. It’s something the whole community can be proud of, and we were pleased to play our part in making it happen.”

Ffynnon Taf Primary School headteacher, Kathryn Price, said:

“We are very excited about how Taff’s Well Thermal Spring has been utilised for the whole school community. Our Eco Committee thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the heat pump system and how this helps to reduce the school’s carbon footprint.  We will continue to celebrate the success of the thermal spring installation in our community for many years to come.”

Jon Arroyo, energy and carbon reduction Manager at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said:

“We have an ambition to decarbonise the Council by 2030 and we understand there is no one solution to decarbonise our heating systems, so it is important that we look at what heat resources are around or under us. As a Council we see our role in exploring alternative solutions to help steer our businesses and residents in their journey towards a net zero future.”