Raising awareness of mine water heat

The Coal Authority is working with partners to unlock the heat within our historical coal mine network, to transform the homes and workplaces of the future.

As part of our work to make a better future for people and the environment in mining areas, we’re exploring opportunities to use mine water to heat and cool homes and businesses.

To support this, it’s key that we raise awareness of mine water heat, and the value it can bring as a solution for heat decarbonisation in coalfield communities.

You can read some of the articles published about our work by following the links below:

What is mine water heat?

Water within the mines is warmed by natural processes and can, if sustainably managed, provide a continuous supply of heat. Mine water temperatures are not affected by seasonal variations and, subject to the right support, mine water can provide renewable, secure, low carbon heating for buildings in coalfield areas.

With heating accounting for 40% of energy use in the UK, mine water heat could improve the sustainability of the places where we live and work. Mine water heat could also play a part in the UK’s efforts to tackle climate change and support its net zero future.

The Coal Authority are working with academics, local authorities, central government and others to help realise the potential of mine water heat. We’re supporting the delivery of mine water heat projects and working with others to make them happen.

Coalfield areas in Great Britain

Extensive coalfields exist across Great Britain and it is estimated that 25% of homes and businesses in the UK are located above former coal mines.

Extracting geothermal heat from former coal mines

Mine water gets warmer the deeper it is, following a ‘geothermal gradient’. Temperatures range from 10 – 20°C however they can reach 40°C at depths of around 1km. Mine water can be abstracted from boreholes, shafts or adits.

Heat exchangers and heat pumps are used to recover the heat and distribute, via district heating networks to homes and buildings.

The Coal Authority’s interactive map viewer

The data from this project can be viewed on the mine water heat tab of our interactive viewer.

To find out more about mine water heat, including how to be part of the story, please contact us.