Mine water heat
Mine water heat represents one of the most exciting and rapidly emerging opportunities for low‑carbon heating across Great Britain. With 25% of UK properties situated above former coalfield areas and significant potential particularly in regions such as Scotland and Wales, mine water offers a stable, naturally warmed, renewable heat source that can power homes, businesses, and entire communities’ year‑round.
Abandoned coal mines that contain mine water, present an enormous opportunity to Great Britain as a source of low carbon, secure heat.
Mine water heat could help to support investment, levelling up, energy security and new green jobs in coalfield areas. It could also provide a significant low carbon contribution to Britain’s future renewable energy needs.
To learn more about the sustainable heating solutions that mine water heat can offer, email us: Innovation@MiningRemediation.gov.uk
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Mine water heat recovery
Mine water heat recovery harnesses naturally warmed groundwater that fills abandoned mine workings once pumping ceases.
Mine water heat opportunities
Across Great Britain, the geothermal potential locked beneath former mining regions is vast.
Funding for mine water heat schemes
Mine water heat funding: a clear guide to grants and support for heat network projects Recovering and reusing waste heat […]
Landmark mine water heat scheme goes live in Wales
Wales' first commercial mine water heat scheme goes live in Ammanford to provide low-carbon heat to a nearby industrial site.
Delivering carbon savings in Gateshead
We have worked with Gateshead Energy Company to support their delivery of the largest mine water heat network in Great […]
Geothermal heat from mine water at Seaham Garden Village
This development has the potential to make Seaham Garden Village the first large scale mine energy district heating scheme in the UK.
How to develop waste mine water heat schemes
Developing a mine water heat scheme requires understanding geological conditions, mine layouts, existing infrastructure, and water treatment requirements.
Drilling for mine water heat
We have conducted open-access research into drilling that shows how accessing mine water heat is technically achievable, cost-effective and ready to scale.
Charging and contractual advice for mine water heat schemes
Heat networks and mine water heat schemes require careful structuring of commercial arrangements.
Mine water heat research and development
Launched by the Mining Remediation Authority in January 2025, the Gateshead mine water heat Living Laboratory is the only facility in the world designed to monitor how heat, water and geology behave between multiple operational mine water heat schemes.
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If you want to learn more about the sustainable heating solutions that mine water heat can offer, explore the articles linked above or simply get in touch.