03 June 2025
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Fern Church, Marketing Manager at Thermal Earth, shares details of a recent project that harnesses heat from treated mine water — an innovative example of the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Imagine a world where the warmth beneath our feet powers our homes and businesses. At Thermal Earth, we've turned this vision into reality with our mine water heating project. Picture this: naturally warm mine water, emerging at a constant flow of 14°C, heated by geothermal energy and residual heat from underground rock layers and former coal mines. We've harnessed this hidden treasure to provide low-carbon heating at our newly renovated renewable heating centre, spanning over 1800m². This ambitious project was led by our Lead Engineer and Director, Nick Salini, whose expertise and vision were crucial to its success. But it wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the entire team. In just two weeks, our team transformed this innovative idea into a fully operational system. Using heat exchangers submerged in a settlement pond at the Lindsay MWTS, we recover heat from the mine water and transfer it to our renewable heating centre. This process provides low-carbon heating and hot water, significantly reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Since going live on 14th March 2025, our project is predicted to save 17.5 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to LPG.
Collaborations and partnerships
The success is also a testament to the power of collaboration. We worked closely with the Mining Remediation Authority and secured funding through Innovate UK. These partnerships were instrumental in bringing our vision to life.
Harnessing geothermal energy
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) utilise the stable temperatures found underground to provide heating and cooling for buildings. By tapping into the earth's natural heat, these systems can deliver consistent and reliable energy throughout the year. The process involves circulating a mixture of water and antifreeze through a loop of pipes buried in the ground. This fluid absorbs heat from the earth and transfers it to the heat pump, which then distributes it throughout the building.
Efficiency and cost savings
One of the key advantages of GSHPs is their high efficiency. Unlike conventional heating systems that burn fuel to generate heat, GSHPs simply move heat from one place to another. This results in significantly lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs. Additionally, these systems have a long lifespan, often lasting 20-25 years, making them a cost-effective investment for homeowners and businesses.
Environmental benefits
GSHPs offer substantial environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, they help lower greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The use of geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable solution that minimises the environmental impact of heating and cooling. Our projects, such as the mine water heating initiative, demonstrate the potential of GSHPs to drive significant reductions in carbon emissions.
Installation and maintenance
Installing GSHPs requires careful planning and expertise. The process involves drilling boreholes or laying horizontal loops in the ground to create the heat exchange system. We ensure that each installation is tailored to the specific needs of the site, optimising efficiency and performance. 19 Regular maintenance is essential to keep the system running smoothly, including checking fluid levels, inspecting pipes, and ensuring the heat pump is functioning correctly.
Future of GSHPs
The future of GSHPs looks promising as more businesses and homeowners recognise their benefits. Advances in technology are making these systems even more efficient and easier to install. We will continue to lead the way in developing innovative solutions that push the boundaries of renewable energy. As the demand for sustainable heating grows, GSHPs will play a crucial role in reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
GSHPs are revolutionising the renewable heating industry. Their efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits make them an attractive option for sustainable heating solutions. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in their groundbreaking projects, setting a benchmark for the industry. As we move towards a greener future, GSHPs will be at the forefront of this transformation, providing reliable and eco-friendly heating for homes and businesses.
www.thermalearth.co.uk
