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⛏️ Turning Mining Heritage into Clean Heat

Mine Water Heat Recovery

Extract renewable heat from flooded mine workings to heat buildings. A pioneering low-carbon solution using Wales' industrial heritage for a sustainable future.

12-14°C

Year-Round Temp

Low Carbon

Heating Solution

Wales First

Commercial Scheme
Discuss Your Project → 📞 01269 833100
Mine Water Heat Recovery Installation

What is Mine Water Heat Recovery?

Abandoned coal mines across Wales and the UK are flooded with water that's naturally heated by the Earth's subsurface temperature. Mine water heat pump systems extract this thermal energy to provide low-carbon heating for homes, businesses, and communities.

Why Choose Mine Water Heat?

Unlock the renewable energy beneath your feet

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Constant Temperature

Mine water stays at 12-14°C year-round, providing a reliable heat source regardless of weather or season.

🌍
Zero Carbon Emissions

Replace fossil fuel heating with renewable geothermal energy. Significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

⛏️
Mining Heritage

Transform Wales' industrial past into a sustainable future. Give abandoned mines a new purpose.

🏢
Scalable Solutions

Suitable for single buildings to entire district heating networks. Commercial and residential applications.

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Reduced Energy Costs

Lower heating bills compared to traditional fossil fuels. Stable costs not tied to volatile gas prices.

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Government Support

Aligned with Wales' Heat Strategy and net-zero targets. Potential funding and grant opportunities.

How Mine Water Heat Recovery Works

Heat pumps extract thermal energy from warm mine water and boost it to temperatures suitable for heating buildings.

1
Water naturally heats underground

Flooded mines are warmed by the Earth's constant subsurface temperature (12-14°C)

2
Heat is extracted via heat exchanger

Closed or open loop systems transfer thermal energy from the mine water

3
Heat pump boosts temperature

The heat pump raises the temperature to 45-55°C for space heating and hot water

4
Cooled water returns to mine

The water is returned to be naturally reheated, creating a sustainable cycle

How Mine Water Heat Recovery Works
Thermal Earth Mine Water Heat Recovery System
🏆 Wales' First Commercial Scheme

Thermal Earth Pioneering Mine Water Heat

We've developed Wales' first commercial mine water heat scheme at our Lindsay treatment facility in Ammanford—providing low-carbon heating to our own warehouse and offices, and demonstrating what's possible for the future.

✓ 100% fossil fuel free – Converted from LPG to mine water heat
✓ Mining Remediation Authority – Partnership project
✓ Welsh Government backed – Part of Heat Strategy for Wales
✓ Proving the concept – Ready to scale across Wales

Open Loop vs Closed Loop Systems

Two approaches to extracting heat from mine water

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Open Loop

Mine water is pumped to the surface, passed through a heat exchanger, then returned to the mine or discharged to a water source.

  • Higher heat extraction rates
  • Requires water discharge permit
  • Best for large-scale schemes
  • May require water treatment
⭕

Closed Loop

A sealed heat exchanger is submerged in the mine water. Clean water circulates in a secondary loop to the heat pump.

  • No water extraction required
  • Simpler permitting process
  • Lower maintenance needs
  • Ideal for smaller installations
💷

Funding Available for Heat Pump Projects

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards heat pump installations. Commercial projects may qualify for additional funding through Welsh Government initiatives.

Explore Funding Options →

Interested in Mine Water Heat Recovery?

Whether you're a local authority, housing developer, or commercial property owner near former mining areas, we can assess the feasibility of a mine water heat scheme for your project.

Discuss Your Project → 📞 01269 833100

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about mine water heat recovery

Costs vary significantly based on scale and site conditions. Residential-scale systems may cost £15,000-£30,000, while commercial and district heating schemes can range from £100,000 to several million pounds. Government grants and funding can significantly reduce costs.

Suitability depends on proximity to flooded mine workings, water temperature, flow rates, and water quality. Wales has extensive former coalfield areas that may be suitable. We can conduct a feasibility assessment for your site.

Open loop systems typically require an abstraction licence from Natural Resources Wales. You may also need planning permission and building regulations approval. Closed loop systems generally have simpler requirements. We guide you through the entire process.

Yes! Mine water heat is particularly well-suited to district heating networks, where one central system can heat multiple buildings. This approach is being developed across former coalfield areas in the UK, including major schemes in Gateshead and Bridgend.

The mine water never enters your heating system directly. Heat exchangers transfer thermal energy while keeping the mine water completely separate. In closed loop systems, the mine water isn't even extracted. Proper system design ensures safety and reliability.

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.