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Researchers in England exploring geothermal energy through mine water

Researchers in England exploring geothermal energy through mine water Durham University, England, UK (source: flickr/ Gareth Milner, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 10 Jul 2017

The Energy Institute of Durham University in England is researching how geothermal energy could be utilised through utilising former coal mines in this region in the Northeast of England, UK.

Researchers at the University’s Durham Energy Institute (DEI) are exploring the Earth’s geothermal energy potential.

Led by the Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems (CeREES), researchers are investigating how this potential can be harnessed to provide a low carbon, clean, non-intermittent energy source.

A potential source of heat and warmth for homes could come from the flood water found in abandoned coal mines.

In an article on the University’s website, Dr Charlotte Adams, DEI member/Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Research Manager for the BritGeothermal Consortium, explains more about how research could help tap into this valuable resource.

Answering how the project by the University wants to explore the geothermal potential from former coal mines, Dr. Adams says: “Many towns and cities in the UK grew on the strength of their coal reserves and Spennymoor, in County Durham, is one example of this. The town has had a mining history spanning over 150 years and consequently there are considerable areas of abandoned mine workings beneath the town and areas planned for new housing developments. This research will estimate the volume of water in the workings and subsequently the amount of heat that can be extracted. This figure will be used to calculate the number of homes that could be heated and different scenarios will be investigated to optimise system configuration. This project also involves community consultation to find out what local people think about the scheme.”

For more see link below.

Source: Durham University