Glasgow venue SWG3 has introduced its new power system, which creates renewable energy from the body heat on the dancefloor.
The heat from dancers is piped via a carrier fluid to 200m boreholes that are charged like a thermal battery. The energy then travels back to the heat pumps, is upgraded to a suitable temperature and then travels back into SWG3.
The owners say the new system, called Bodyheat, will allow them to disconnect the venue's gas boilers, and reduce its carbon emissions by about 70 tonnes of CO2 every year.
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Andrew Fleming-Brown, SWG3 managing director, said the venture has been a ‘leap of faith’.
He added: “We’re thrilled that after three years of planning, consultation and construction, we are able to switch on the first BODYHEAT system . As well as being a huge step towards our goal of becoming net zero and will hopefully influence others from our industry and beyond to follow suit, working together to tackle climate change."
The new system has been in the works for over three years, costing over £600,000 to install. Andrew added: “To put in perspective, if we were to go down a more conventional route with typical air conditioning - then your costs would probably be about 10% of that - so £60,000.
“If we can make it work here in this environment, there’s no reason why we can’t take it to other venues, not just here in Scotland and the UK, across Europe and further afield. SchwuZ nightclub in Berlin has shown a lot of interest.
“You know they don’t want to be kind of beaten at cool clubbing technology. They’ve seen what we’ve done in Glasgow and really want it in Berlin.”
Despite the high costs, the savings on bills could make the investment recoverable in about five years. The venue has also said that they’re committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2025.
David Towsend, founder of geothermal energy consultant TownRock Energy, who designed the system, told BBC News: “When you start dancing, at medium pace, to the Rolling Stones or something, you might be generating 250W.
“But if you’ve got a big DJ, absolutely slamming basslines and making everyone jump up and down, you could be generating 500-600W of thermal energy.”
Glasgow City Council convener for climate councillor Angus Millar welcomed the news, adding: “This is a fantastic scheme, where people really are making Glasgow greener - while having a great time.
“This innovative approach to reducing emissions and energy use at SWG3 is a great example of how we can all play our part in Glasgow becoming a net-zero city.”
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