Fuelling Futures: Realising Mine Water Geothermal Energy

Presentations and workshops on the first day considered the technical challenges of extracting and utilizing geothermal heat from mines, such as efficient heat extraction from the ground; and seasonal heat storage solutions. 

The second day reviewed the social, economic, and policy considerations for installing mine water solutions, such as public perception of mine water heating; ensuring a fair and affordable energy transition; and developing a regulatory framework for this innovative heat source. 

The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including government officials, industry experts, researchers, local authorities, policy makers, consumer advocates, and energy suppliers to engage in knowledge sharing and workshop sessions. The purpose was to discuss research findings and formulate policy recommendations to unlock the potential of this renewable heat source. 

Geothermal Energy from Mines and Solar-Geothermal (GEMS)

GEMS is a DEI interdisciplinary project exploring whether water from flooded, abandoned mines could be used as a low-carbon, geothermal source of heat for the UK’s homes.

Professor Jeroen van Hunen leads this work which has been funded through a combined Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Natural Environment Research Council grant from 2021-2025.

The team is collaborating with the British Geological Survey (BGS) as well as experts from industry and government to assess and address the technical, social, and financial challenges and risks of exploiting disused, flooded coal mines as a source for long-term sustainable heat for homes and businesses in the UK.

The project combines novel simulation tools, innovative heat storage solutions, thorough evaluation of the governance and economic landscape, and community participation, this interdisciplinary project will provide integrated solutions, from initial heat extraction to the end user, for maximising mine water geothermal heat energy.

Economic and carbon benefits of this innovative home heating solution

There are approximately 23,000 mines across the UK, these are predominantly coal mines with roughly one in four homes built on top of these historical sites. The UK’s moderate thermal gradient offers temperatures of 12-25°C, heat pump technology can increase this to 40-50°C which is sufficient to warm our homes. This would supply almost 50% of the UK demand for heating and cooling.

It has been estimated that there is enough heat within the UK’s coalfields to meet the demands of all the buildings that lie above them. This could deliver affordable, low carbon heat to economically disadvantaged former mining communities.

Find out more

• Professor Jeroen van Hunen is a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University
• Visit the Geothermal Energy from Mines and Solar-Geothermal (GEMS) website
• Durham Energy Institute is a leading centre for energy research, bringing together experts from various disciplines to tackle some of the most pressing energy challenges of our time. 
• Visit the Durham Energy Institute’s YouTube channel
• Read about Durham Energy Institute geothermal energy research and activity.