Fuelling Futures: Realising Mine Water Geothermal Energy

On 17&18 September 2024, Durham University organised the conference dedicated to the multi-disciplinary research on mine water geothermal energy (MWGE). 

With approximately 23,000 mines across the country, predominantly coal mines, around one in four homes is built atop these historical sites. The UK’s moderate thermal gradient offers temperatures of 12-25°C, ideal for leveraging heat pump technology to warm our homes. 

This two-day conference offered a unique opportunity to address the multifaceted challenges of extracting and utilizing geothermal heat from mines.   

The first day focussed on the technical challenges:

1.      Efficient heat extraction from the ground. 

2.      Seasonal heat storage solutions. 

The second day reviewed the social, economic and policy aspects including: 

3.      Public perception of mine water heating. 

4.      Ensuring a fair and affordable energy transition. 

5.      Developing a regulatory framework for this innovative heat source. 

Dr Sam Rushworth (MP for Bishop Auckland) opened the conference, and explained the regional and national importance of green energy in general and geothermal energy in particular. Professor Jeroen van Hunen (Durham University) gave an overview talk of the GEMS project. 

Keynote speakers were Dr Charlotte Adams, National Geothermal Centre, Professor Matthew Jackson, Imperial College, London, Dr James Maguire, Center for Climate IT, Copenhagen, and Professor Jacco Thijssen, University of York.

A panel including Bill Kirkup, CAG Consultants, Ellie Grimes, Durham County Council, and Sarah Robinson, Department of Energy Security and Net-Zero (DESNZ) discussed the various policy aspects MWGE. 

Emeritus professor Sandra Bell lead participants around Durham on the ‘Coal Stories Walk’. 

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 with the aim to discuss research findings and formulate policy recommendations to unlock the potential of this renewable heat source. 

For further information on mine water geothermal energy, please contact Prof. Jeroen van Hunen, department of Earth Sciences, Durham University (jeroen.van-hunen@durham.ac.uk).