This initiative, named the Gateshead Mine Water Heat Living Laboratory, is poised to play a vital role in the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions.

The laboratory is uniquely positioned around three existing mine water heat schemes. Among these is the Gateshead Energy Company’s Mine Water Heat Network, which is the largest of its kind in Great Britain and ranks among the largest in Europe爱上海. A privately-funded heat scheme at Lanchester Wines has also been integrated into the research site.

This project involves the installation of four boreholes, equipped with cutting-edge monitoring equipment that will facilitate the study of thermal and hydrogeological interactions between the operational mine water heat schemes located within the Walker mining block in Tyne and Wear.上海新茶工作室

Supported by Gateshead Council, who allowed work to take place on their sites, the project involved drilling four boreholes and installing state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to gather crucial data上海花千坊. This research setting is described as the only one of its kind in the world, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of mine water heat systems.爱上海后花园

The data collected from this laboratory will complement ongoing research conducted at the mine water energy observatory in Glasgow, developed by the British Geological Survey (BGS) as part of the UK Geoenergy Observatories project. This wider initiative is focused on investigating geothermal energy and underground thermal energy storage.

The Gateshead Living Laboratory’s findings will be made accessible online here, providing valuable insights for researchers, regulators and academic institutions. This open-access data is anticipated to inform decision-making regarding mine heat access agreements and permitting processes, thereby promoting sustainable development in the sector.

The project has received support from Gateshead Council, which has facilitated access to sites necessary for the research. The initiative aligns with the Mining Remediation Authority’s broader mission to enhance environmental protection, create economic value, and reduce costs for taxpayers.

By deepening the understanding of mine water heat systems, the Gateshead Living Laboratory seeks to stimulate the market for mine water heat solutions, contributing to the UK’s net zero goals and potentially inspiring similar sustainable energy initiatives across the country.

Mining Remediation Authority geoscientist and Gateshead Living Laboratory project leader Fiona Todd said: “Our Living Laboratory will provide invaluable insights into the behaviour of mine water heat systems and help us understand how multiple schemes co-exist within the same region爱上海419论坛. This research is crucial for maximising the opportunity presented by mine water heat and supporting its development as a reliable, low-carbon heat source across the UK.上海新茶工作室联系方式

“This research project represents a strategic step in transforming Great Britain’s mining legacy into a powerful driver for sustainable growth. Repurposing disused mines as sources of low-carbon heat will deliver both environmental and economic benefits to local communities.

Environment Agency senior technical specialist for the north east Sally Gallagher said: “We all have a role to play in tackling the climate emergency, which is why as an operator and a regulator, the Environment Agency has a leading role in helping the country get to net zero by 2050.

“The decarbonisation of energy used for heating is a significant challenge for the UK and the Environment Agency爱上海龙凤419. We are pleased to support the launch of the Mining Remediation Authority’s Living Lab in Gateshead which will collect and share data to help understand how mine water can be used for heating.”上海新茶工作室微信

Last year NCE spoke to the CEO of the Mining Remediation Authority about its rebrand and growing responsibilities.