Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada, is investing $8.1 million in a geothermal system that will heat 100 percent of the property’s water supply, along with the mechanicals. Peppermill president Bill Paganetti sought the help of geothermal expert Dr. Jim Combs of Reno-based Geo Hills Associates LLC, who recommended a new geothermal well be drilled on the property. Peppermill struck gold, finding water at 170 degrees that can be captured and converted to energy through a closed loop system, then returned to the earth via a reinjection well.
"The green energy heating addition to the HVAC system at the Peppermill will now make it the only hotel in the United States whose heating source is totally provided from geothermal energy produced on their own immediate property," Combs says.
The project is expected to be operational by January.
