Seaham homes tap into mine water heat

Hundreds of County Durham homes are set to benefit from low-carbon heating generated using water from abandoned coal mines.

A new energy centre serving Seaham Garden Village has become fully operational following the completion of its commissioning phase, with the mine water heat network expected to supply around 750 homes.

The scheme uses naturally warm water from the Mining Remediation Authority’s Dawdon Mine Water Treatment Scheme, extracting and boosting its heat before distributing it to homes through a district network.

Officials say the project could save an estimated 2600 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to almost 65,000 tonnes over 25 years, while providing residents with a secure and stable source of heating and hot water.

The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between the Mining Remediation Authority, Karbon Homes, Esh Group, Vital Energi and Durham County Council, with support from the Government’s Heat Networks Investment Project.

Andrew Simpson, head of innovation, by-products and services delivery at the Mining Remediation Authority, said: “It is exciting to see our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme successfully transition to dual use, continuing to safeguard water while now supplying sustainable heat to local homes.

“Seaham Garden Village shows how geothermal energy from disused mines can be replicated across the country.

“This project is proof of how innovation and partnership can unlock clean, affordable heating for communities today.”

Rob Callaghan, managing director at Vital Community Energi, added: “I am proud that Seaham Garden Village will operate under our complete Energy Services Company (ESCo), marking another significant milestone in the expansion of our owned and operated heat networks. 

“As with all our ESCo projects, customers remain our top priority. 

“That is why we have ensured residents benefit from stable and efficient heating and hot water, delivering lasting benefits into a community directly affected by the closure of the mines.”

Sarah Robson, executive director of development and asset management at Karbon Homes, added: “Seaham Garden Village is a thriving new community with sustainability at its heart. 

“We are delighted to be working with partners on this innovative mine water heating project, which will provide affordable heating for our customers by utilising the heat of the water available right under our feet.

“In addition, our homes are built to the highest energy standards which includes solar panels, battery storage and EV charging points which also help to make the homes cheaper to run.”

The 750 properties form part of the wider 1500-home Seaham Garden Village development on the Durham coast.

Mine water is naturally heated underground and maintains a stable temperature throughout the year.

The Mining Remediation Authority operates more than 80 mine water treatment schemes nationwide, with around a quarter of UK homes and businesses located above former coal mines, creating potential for similar low-carbon heating projects elsewhere.

Councillor Kyle Genner, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations, added: “We’re really pleased to have helped facilitate this scheme which will ensure that people can live in affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village.

“This project makes impressive use of the legacy left by our coal mining heritage, using mine water to create a heat network supplying heat and hot water to around 750 homes.

“This is an exciting emerging option for heating our homes, and we’re looking closely to see where else it might be viable in the future.”

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