(Image: Supplied)
Hundreds of families in County Durham are benefiting from a pioneering green energy scheme that uses warm water from disused coal mines to heat their homes.
The Seaham Garden Village project provides secure, reasonably priced heating using naturally warm mine water.
A new energy centre will provide low-carbon heat to around 750 homes, using mine water from the Mining Remediation Authority’s Dawdon treatment site.
Andrew Simpson, head of innovation, by-products and services delivery at the Mining Remediation Authority, said: "It is exciting to see our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme successfully transition to dual use, continuing to safeguard water while now supplying sustainable heat to local homes.
SGV new homes (Image: Supplied)
"Seaham Garden Village shows how geothermal energy from disused mines can be replicated across the country.
"This project is proof of how innovation and partnership can unlock clean, affordable heating for communities today."
The network has completed testing and is now fully operational.
Mine-water networks use water already pumped to the surface, turning the coal industry’s legacy into a modern energy source.
The scheme is a partnership between the Mining Remediation Authority, Karbon Homes, Esh Group, Vital Energi and Durham County Council.
The scheme is expected to cut carbon emissions by around 2,600 tonnes a year—nearly 65,000 tonnes over 25 years.
The Dawdon treatment scheme now protects drinking water supplies while providing renewable heat.
Heat exchangers and a heat pump extract and boost heat from the mine water before it reaches homes through a district network.
The system provides stable, low-carbon heating and hot water, helping shield residents from energy-price rises.
The 750 homes are part of Seaham Garden Village, which will eventually have 1,500 homes.
The heat network was funded through the Government’s Heat Networks Investment Project.
Rob Callaghan, managing director at Vital Community Energi, said: "I am proud that Seaham Garden Village will operate under our complete Energy Services Company (ESCo), marking another significant milestone in the expansion of our owned and operated heat networks.
"As with all our ESCo projects, customers remain our top priority.
"That is why we have ensured residents benefit from stable and efficient heating and hot water, delivering lasting benefits into a community directly affected by the closure of the mines."
Sarah Robson, executive director of development and asset management at Karbon Homes, said: "Seaham Garden Village is a thriving new community with sustainability at its heart.
"We are delighted to be working with partners on this innovative mine water heating project, which will provide affordable heating for our customers by utilising the heat of the water available right under our feet.
"In addition, our homes are built to the highest energy standards which includes solar panels, battery storage and EV charging points which also help to make the homes cheaper to run."
An estimated 25 per cent of UK homes and businesses sit above former coal mines, creating potential for similar schemes nationwide.
The Mining Remediation Authority runs more than 80 mine-water treatment schemes nationwide, many of which could provide renewable heat.
Councillor Kyle Genner, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations, said: "We’re really pleased to have helped facilitate this scheme which will ensure that people can live in affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village.
"This project makes impressive use of the legacy left by our coal mining heritage, using mine water to create a heat network supplying heat and hot water to around 750 homes.
"This is an exciting emerging option for heating our homes, and we’re looking closely to see where else it might be viable in the future."
The Seaham scheme follows similar mine-water heating projects in Gateshead and Wales.
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Former mining areas are using these geothermal resources to cut carbon emissions and create green-technology jobs.
The project also supports the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to make Britain a clean-energy superpower.
The plan targets at least 95 per cent clean power by 2030, while protecting consumers and creating jobs.