Work has begun on a project which will provide low-carbon heating to homes through an existing mine water treatment scheme in Seaham, County Durham.
The already warm water that is being treated at the site will be passed through a heat exchanger into an newly built energy centre before being used to provide power to 750 homes in Seaham Garden Village.
Mine water often requires treating because, when a mine closes, water is no longer being pumped out. The water may contain iron or, as is the case in Seaham, excessive amounts of salt, so as levels rise it needs treating before it can come into contact with rivers or drinking water supplies.
There are over 80 such schemes operating in the UK so it is hoped this project will demonstrate the additional benefits that can be accrued from the process.
A grant from the Government’s Heat Networks Investment Project has supported the development of the project.
The UK’s first large-scale mine water heat network – which began providing heat in March 2023 – was located in Gateshead but this differed from the Seaham project in that it drilled into the ground to access the mine water.
Richard Bond, innovation and services director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said: ‘This scheme is a further milestone in our journey to harness mine water heat to provide sustainable heating solutions across the former coalfields.
‘There is huge potential to utilise our GB-wide water treatment facilities where warm mine water is already being pumped to the surface, and we’re progressing opportunities in multiple regions.
‘With more than 80 mine water treatment schemes across the UK, we see great potential to deliver dual-purpose facilities that protect water supplies and generate renewable heat.
‘Whether accessing mine water heat via our treatment schemes or boreholes, the Mining Remediation Authority are proud to offer innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions by repurposing the amazing UK coal-mining heritage.’