Coalmines stemming floods could become an important source of energy and provide cheap heat to thousands of homes, a new report argues.
My water geothermal heat (MWGH) uses water to flood coals, heated by natural processes, to supply hot carbon. Heat exchangers and pumps recover heat, which is distributed through district heating networks in homes and buildings, providing low cost, high energy, high energy.
The report estimates that a quarter of UK homes are sitting above works where MWGH could have a significant carbon footprint, and the technology has significant carbon targets to help by an estimated 10-20%. MWHH systems produce less greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional gas boilers.
The technology has been proven. Gateshead Energy Company operates a 6mw mwh system, which provides around 40% of the district heating network in the town. Lanchester Wines in Gateshead is the first business in the UK to implement Mwh, heating 30,000 sq meters of warehouse space. These projects show that MWGH can work at scale.
Prof Simone Abram, co-author and Director of the Durham Energy Institute said: “With the right support in place, the MWGH could be built within five years.
He points to Denmark, where the public supported, non-profit heat networks show how strong the investment owner and the community can learn from next door that we can learn from,” he said.
There are many economic benefits to local communities, as well; In addition to low-cost sticks, MWGH designs high-quality, specialized jobs, from drilling and engineering to network areas and those facing economic hardship.
Abrams said: “There are good works to be done and meaningful work, and Mwh promises affordable, reliable and accessible heat for generations. That clearly benefits the communities that live in poor quality housing where the heat that wants to progress in the development of the MWGH and is not only taken by financial interests alone. “
However, despite the advantages, uptake is slow, with high overhead costs and a complex regulatory influence acting as obstacles. Currently, there is no regulatory framework for Mwhgh and Heat is not legally recognized as a resource, complex investment decisions.
The Central Government should play an important role in making great progress in Mwh, such as financial breaks, artist fees, or expert-backed for exploration exploration. There is also a need for a clear regulatory framework, coordination across planning authorities and inclusion of MWGH in strategic energy plans and housing plans, the report concluded.
Community engagement is also important; Today public awareness of MWGH is limited. Abram says: “In our experience, what people know about the ground under their feet, especially they are people ‘and not’ with them ‘and not this’“
Demonstration projects, such as Lanchester Wines and Gateshead, play an important role in building confidence and providing practical lessons for future approaches. Chris Smith, energy Renchable Wines’ Energy Manager said: “Today we are renovating 33,445 sq meters (360,000 SQ FT) of the warehouse, and reducing energy between four and six.”
Prof Jernoen Van Hunen, co-author of the report says: