During the 1960s and early 1970s, while working in coalmines, Bryn Hawkins recalls that few people grasped the consequences that burning fossil fuels would have on the Earth.
Public officials are currently seeking to repurpose abandoned mines, which previously produced large quantities of fossil fuels, as a potential means of generating renewable energy throughout the nation.
The council-owned Gateshead Energy Company has achieved success in Gateshead by utilizing warm water from the town’s underground mine network, located 150 meters below ground, to provide heat and hot water.
Additional organizations are becoming aware of the possibilities presented by the metro mayor for the western part of England, Dan Norris, who is investing £1.5m in the belief that a number of the 100-plus mines in Somerset and South Gloucestershire have the capability to offer a sustainable supply of heat in the area.
At the unveiling of a survey in Radstock, Somerset, a town that was once known for its mining industry, 82-year-old Hawkins is filled with optimism about the possibility of repurposing the mines to benefit the environment, a source of income for him and his loved ones.
He expresses his admiration, stating that in his lifetime, we have only recently started to worry about the environment. Before, releasing smoke from chimneys was not a concern. However, now there is a greater focus and he has gained a better understanding of the issue.
During operation, mines were dewatered to allow miners to extract coal. However, upon closure, the pumps were deactivated and the mines were once again flooded.
Geothermal energy, which comes from the Earth’s core, is used to heat the water, resulting in temperatures of approximately 20C in certain areas.
According to Dan Mallin Martin, a hydrogeologist at the Coal Authority, an organization in charge of addressing the impacts of previous coal mining, heated water can be brought to the surface using shafts or boreholes. The heat can then be extracted from the water through a heat exchanger.
Usually, we can remove approximately 5 to 8 degrees Celsius. This may not seem like a significant amount, but when we transfer this heat to a heat pump, which is essentially a refrigerator working in reverse, it can increase the temperature to a usable range of 60 or 70 degrees Celsius. This heat can then be used in various settings such as homes, businesses, hospitals, and heat networks.
Using that method is a fantastic way to utilize its potential, resulting in highly efficient and environmentally friendly outcomes.
The method does not result in a net loss, as the mine water is returned to the flooded mines and reused.
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Mallin Martin stated that transitioning to heat pumps as an energy source is crucial in decarbonizing heating needs in the UK. They believe that utilizing heat pumps, ground source options, and mine water can contribute to this effort, especially when combined with renewable electricity sources like solar panels and wind power.
2 annually
The Gateshead Energy Company uses a solar farm to power its centralised heat pump and expects to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,800 tonnes per year.2 a year.
There are successful cases of this technology being implemented globally. The mine water project in Heerlen, Netherlands, is considered a prime example of this innovation.
Mallin Martin stated that there is a strong motivation to take full advantage of this opportunity, which aligns with the goal of promoting growth in coalfield communities by providing reliable, eco-friendly heat sources.
Political determination is crucial for many emerging energy solutions. Norris, mayor of a western English town since 2021 and hailing from a family involved in mining, has dedicated £1.5m towards a survey to determine the scope of the mine network in Somerset and South Gloucestershire. After this is completed, the local government will focus on the most feasible areas for further examination.
2 emissions
“The collaboration is incredible, as it has reduced the amount of CO2 emissions from mines.”2
Norris stated that emissions may provide a solution for clean and environmentally friendly energy. He also mentioned that the heat generated from mines could have significant impacts on a national and potentially global scale.
The current cost of living crisis highlights the importance of affordable energy for everyone, including those in poverty and businesses. Therefore, it is crucial that we lower the cost of energy.
“I am convinced that this method of energy production has significant environmental benefits, as well as being financially efficient. It has the potential to fuel our economy and combat climate change, and I am enthusiastic about its potential.”
Source: theguardian.com
