Energy from cremated cadavers could heat swimming poolPlans to use the power generated by cremating the dead to heat a swimming pool have been put forward for the first time.
January 25, 2011
Plans to use the power generated by cremating the dead to heat a swimming pool have been put forward for the first time.
The plans are currently being considered for a renewable heat source by a north-east Worcestershire borough council.
Leader of Redditch Borough Council Carole Gandy is keen to investigate, what must be a world first, running heating pipes from a crematorium to a new swimming pool being built at the council's Abbey Stadium Sports Centre in Redditch.
The Conservative councillor, who also said the authority was looking at 'all options', believes the cadaver-to-heat scheme could save 42% of the energy which would be needed to heat the pool.
Mrs Gandy said: "We've got an advantage as we own the land between the sports centre and the crematorium, but we do have a problem as that land is consecrated.
"If we get permission we'll run the pipes through the land or, if we don't, we will extend them around the outside.
"But, I'd like to make it clear no area where people are buried will be affected by the works."
Mrs Gandy said she didn't have the precise figures for the cost of the plans to hand when edie spoke to her.
But, she said the 42% energy reduction worked out at a £15,000 a year saving, and the costs of the initial investment for the project would come back to the authority in four years time.
Mrs Gandy added the response from residents had so far been 'very positive' with many keen for the idea to be put into practice.
She also said, if the scheme went ahead, alternative heat sources would have to be installed as well as there would be periods like bank hoildays when the pool would be well used but no funerals would be taking place.
There is meeting at the Redditch Town Hall where further details of the scheme will be outlined on Thursday (January 27).
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