General news
23 May 2025

Unlocking low-carbon heat from the North East’s mining heritage

Did you know the North East’s old coal mines could help heat your business?

At a recent event hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce, local businesses heard how warm water stored in disused mines is being used to provide low-carbon, cost-effective heating across the region. Gareth Farr from the Mining Remediation Authority shared how this innovative approach is turning a piece of our industrial past into a key part of a greener future.
 
It turns out the disused coal mines in the North East still have something valuable to offer. Many are now flooded with groundwater, naturally heated by the Earth to around 10-20°C. With the right technology – like boreholes and heat pumps – that warmth can be captured and used to heat homes, offices, and commercial buildings.

This isn’t a far-off idea. It’s already happening. In Gateshead, a mine water heat network is supplying energy to public buildings, offices, and homes, at costs at least 5% cheaper than gas. Lanchester Wines, just outside Durham, is heating two of its large warehouses this way. And in Seaham, a new housing development will soon bring renewable heating to 750 social homes.

It’s a clear win for sustainability, but it also makes business sense. With rising energy bills and pressure to cut carbon emissions, tapping into mine water heat could offer a reliable, cost-effective solution for many organisations.

Getting started involves a few stages – such as securing permits, carrying out feasibility studies, and drilling test boreholes – but there’s plenty of support out there. Local councils, Durham University, and organisations like the National Geothermal Centre are all helping to push this forward. The region is also benefiting from government-backed mapping tools to highlight the best locations for future projects.

With live schemes already running and more in the pipeline, the North East is fast becoming a leader in this space. If you’re thinking about greener, more affordable energy options for your premises, mine water heat is well worth exploring.

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Sustainability and Energy
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