A team from the Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer group from the Bergakademie University in Freiberg visited Durham University on 8-11 April, 2024. GEMS organised a workshop with the aim to investigate potential collaborations and explore international funding opportunities. As part of the workshop, a number of activities were organised:
1) A mini symposium, where members of Freiberg University, Durham University, and the British Geological Survey all presented their research on mine water geothermal energy. The mini symposium led to a series of very fruitful discussions that highlighted the similarities and differences in research approaches and outcomes between the different universities, areas of complementary research, and pathways to explore mine water heating in the future.
2) A visit to the Gateshead Energy Company to learn about the largest mine water geothermal energy system installed in the UK. The visit highlighted a number of practical aspects of mine water heating. Belinda Humphrey from the Gateshead Energy Company gave a presentation and a tour as part of the visit.
3) A funding opportunity session, where we discussed the range of options to apply for collaborative research funding. A number of potential funding opportunities were recognised, including Horizon Pillar-2 and Doctoral Network opportunities, as well as funding from the European Eureka network.
The workshop was co-funded by the Durham Global Engagement Fund.