What is Mine Water Heat Recovery?
A mine water heat pump system extracts heat from warm water found in flooded mine workings and uses it to heat buildings. This involves pumping the water to the surface, using heat exchangers and heat pumps to boost the temperature, and then circulating the heated water through a clean loop to provide warmth. The now cooler water is then returned to the mine, allowing it to be warmed again by geothermal energy.
How it works:
- Heat Source:
Abandoned mines fill with water, which is naturally heated by the Earth's subsurface temperature. - Heat Extraction:
Heat pumps are used to extract this thermal energy from the mine water. Closed or Open Loop Systems:
- Closed loop: Involves a heat exchanger submerged in the mine water, with a secondary loop carrying clean water to the heat pump.
- Open loop: Involves extracting mine water, passing it through a heat exchanger, and then returning it to the mine or a nearby water source (like a river).
- Closed loop: Involves a heat exchanger submerged in the mine water, with a secondary loop carrying clean water to the heat pump.
- Heat Pump Function:
The heat pump transfers the heat from the mine water to a building's heating and cooling system.
Thermal Earth Pioneering Mine Water Heat Recovery
Developing Wales' first commercial mine water heat scheme live in Ammanford to provide low-carbon heat to our own warehouse and offices.
Previously untapped heat from a mine water treatment scheme in Wales is now being harnessed y our system to provide low-carbon heating for our warehouse and offices.
Reducing carbon emissions from traditional fossil fuel heating remains a significant challenge in the fight against climate change. We are demonstrating what is possible.
Wales, with its industrial heritage and coal mining past, has recognised the potential of mine water heat, through its Heat Strategy for Wales, as a viable option to support a just transition to renewables.
As part of this commitment, the Mining Remediation Authority identified an opportunity for low-carbon heat recovery at our Lindsay treatment scheme near Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, as part of our work to map areas of Wales most suited for mine water heat schemes, which was commissioned by the Welsh Government.
Demostrating What Is Possible!
By completing this demonstration system, we have successfully converted our facility away from liquefied petroleum gas, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and showcasing the possibilities of innovative renewable solutions.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The government recognises that air-source heat pumps play an important role in reducing carbon emissions from the UK’s homes. Therefore air source heat pump grants have been included in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers an upfront voucher of £7,500 towards the installation of an air source heat pump, helping to reduce the overall cost.
As the name suggests, the scheme is aimed at existing properties, encouraging the switch from fossil fuel boilers to low-carbon heat pumps.
