October 8, Sweden (Snow Hunter)--Lulea University of Technology have been working with the leading Swedish ski resort of Are and other interested parties in exploring the possibilities of extracting soil-based geothermal heat from beneath a ski run.Ý The unique situation in Are would make the "by-product" highly interesting for skiers and boarders as the soil is cooled allowing a snow cover to remain during the summer with the possibility for skiing all year round.
"We are aiming to make Are an all-year-round destination. Being able to offer skiing all year round in Are would be unique and result in more visitors during the summer months," said Jan Paul Ephithite,Ý Marketing Director, A.R.E. AB.
ÝThe idea first arose as part of a collaborative project 'Good Clean Fun', which works for the sustainable development of the local environment in Are. The members in the group represent Are Local Authority, J‰mtkraft (electricity), SJ (the state railway), A.R.E. AB and Areforetagarna (the local trade association).
Ý"We were discussing how to meet the increasing demand for energy in the future in an environmentallyÝ friendly way. On the subject of geothermal heat, we realised that not only could we benefit from the energy extracted from the soil, but also the by-product - the cooling of the ground - if we laid out the coils in a slalom piste instead of the lake," explains Benckt Aspman, Environmental strategist, Are Local Authority.
All the aspects of this project will be thoroughly investigated within the framework of a research project conducted at the Faculty for Civil Engineering at Lulea University of Technology. The initial study is expected to be finalised by June 2003 and if the initial study shows positive results, a pilot project is planned for the period July 2003 to June 2004.
Ý"Being able to combine environmental gains with opportunities for permanent jobs in Are is a unique opportunity," said Eva Hellstrand, Mayor of Are.Ý The cooling of soil using heat pump technology was tested by the Swedish company Solcon AB in Tollmannabacken in Kista, Stockholm, some 12 years ago with very favourable results.
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