Webinars on Mine Water Heat Initiatives
Experts launch a series of webinars to provide in-depth insights into accessing low-carbon heat from mine water, a technology gaining traction as a sustainable heating solution.
These webinars are part of an ongoing effort by the Coal Authority and other partners to promote and develop mine water heat schemes across Great Britain.
How Mine Water Heating Works
Mine water heating involves pumping water from flooded mine workings underground and bringing it to the surface. This water, warmed by geothermal energy, is then processed using heat exchangers and heat pumps to boost its temperature.
The heated water is distributed through district heating networks to homes, offices, and other buildings. This method is particularly efficient, with heat pumps capable of outputting 3 to 5 times as much heat as the electricity used to recover it.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The adoption of mine water heat can have significant economic and environmental benefits. It can contribute to energy security, create green jobs, and help in levelling up former mining communities.
Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the UK’s efforts to achieve net zero by 2050, as heating accounts for 40% of the UK’s energy consumption and around 20% of its greenhouse gas emissions.
Some Statistics
- Over 6 million homes and 300,000 offices and businesses are located above abandoned coal mines.
- The Gateshead mine water heat scheme, launched in March 2023, supplies heat to 350 homes, a college, and an arts centre.
- The Gateshead project is estimated to save 72,000 tonnes of CO2 over 40 years.
Industry Response
With so much emphasis around climate change and finding a means for a sustainable future, it is really important for Ordnance Survey to be able to support a low carbon heat project like this.
John Kimmance, Managing Director of National Mapping Services at Ordnance Survey
The collaboration between the Coal Authority and Ordnance Survey has been instrumental in mapping the potential demand for mine water heat projects and identifying areas that could benefit most from this initiative.
Progress and Targets
- The Coal Authority is working to strengthen existing relationships and seek additional opportunities to develop schemes in England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Research and development programs are ongoing to maximize the opportunity for mine water heat and explore cooling and storage of heat from other low-carbon sources.
- There are plans to export Great Britain’s mine water heat skills and knowledge internationally in the future.
Local and Regional Impact
Mine water heat schemes are particularly beneficial for coalfield communities.
For example, the Seaham Garden Village project in County Durham aims to provide heat to 1,500 new homes using mine water from an existing treatment scheme, with an estimated lifetime saving of 63,989 tonnes of CO2 over 25 years.
Immediate Implications
The launch of these webinars marks an important step in raising awareness and promoting the adoption of mine water heat. This technology offers a viable solution for decarbonizing heating in former mining areas, contributing significantly to the UK’s net zero targets.
Broader Significance: A Sustainable Future
The integration of mine water heat into the UK’s energy mix is a significant move towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
As the UK continues to explore innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mine water heat stands out as a promising and practical solution that can make a substantial impact on both the environment and local communities.
