Lenti’s spa is being developed with the largest available small-scale solar power capacity

The thermal water below was discovered during hydrocarbon exploration in the 1970s, and the spa opened its doors in 1978. The facility, which is based on sodium bicarbonate-rich medicinal water, has been gradually expanded over the decades: the construction of the indoor baths and the Szent György Energiapark was later followed by a direct hotel investment. In recent years, alongside a focus on improving the quality of the facilities, the emphasis has increasingly shifted towards sustainable, energy-efficient mechanical and operational modernisations.

According to the latest public procurement result, Lenti Termálfürdő and Szent György Energiapark are modernising their energy systems with a further net investment of 421 million forints, with the contract awarded to SOLAR WELT Kft..

The aim of the project is to substantially reduce the complex’s high electricity consumption and to minimise its reliance on the grid. Although the system will not meet the spa’s entire electricity demand, the green energy generated and stored on site will cover a significant proportion of the mechanical systems’ peak consumption during the day and in the evening.

The centrepiece of the project is a small-scale photovoltaic power plant with a connected load of 499 kVA, comprising 864 solar panels of 695 Wp each and 5 industrial string inverters. The system is connected to a state-of-the-art outdoor battery energy storage system with a capacity of 500 kVA and 1,116 kWh, featuring intelligent energy management (EMS). The facility can only operate in synchronisation with the public grid, whilst the built-in reverse-power protection ensures that all the energy generated is used entirely to meet the site’s internal consumption.

In parallel with this, comprehensive infrastructure development will also take place at the spa to accommodate the increased capacity: a new 22 kV medium-voltage E.ON grid connection point, two new transformer stations (each with 630 kVA units), as well as a new on-site 22 kV and 0.4 kV private underground cable network, will all support the system, the precise control of which is ensured by an optical network laid in parallel with the high-voltage cables.