May 23 2005
A unique international project has recently been launched to investigate whether warm water from former coalmines can be used as a source of sustainable energy.
The Є20.9 million, part-EU-funded Mine Water Project is integrating Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Heat Pump technology in an innovative way, to harness geothermally heated water in disused mines for heating and cooling large-scale developments.
Two typical examples of former mining communities, Heerlen in the Netherlands and Midlothian in Scotland, will host two initial pilot systems. A number of observers from other current or former coal mining countries, including Germany and Poland, are involved with the project.
The closure of a mine can have a catastrophic effect on local towns and their inhabitants - the sudden economic slump and large-scale unemployment result in social, psychological and spatial problems. The Mine Water Project offers new opportunities to rebuild the economy and identity of these towns, through increased employment and the redevelopment of former mining areas. There are also wider environmental benefits - as the water is naturally heated by the earth, CO2 emissions will be reduced.
The project is funded by the EU under its Interreg IIIB project, and by the project partners:
- BRE (UK) - BRE's involvement is part-funded by the BRE Trust
- The Municipality of Harleen (The Netherlands)
- Midlothian Council (UK)
- Network voor Omgevingskwaliteit (Network for Environmental Quality) (The Netherlands)
- Weller Wonen (The Netherlands)
For further information, contact Robin Wiltshire at BRE on 01923 664534, or visit the Mine Water Project website: www.minewaterproject.info
http://www.bre.co.uk