UK Gravity Mine Water Discharge Heat Generation Feasibility Study and District Heating Integration

We are seeking partners to collaborate on an innovative project that aims to harness geothermal energy from abandoned mine water using gravity-fed discharge points. Our objective is to develop sustainable, low-carbon district heating systems by leveraging existing mine infrastructure, thereby reducing environmental impact and costs compared to conventional drilling methods.

Project Objectives:

• Feasibility Study:

  • Evaluate the technical viability of extracting heat from gravity-fed mine water discharge points.

  • Assess the potential for integrating this heat source into district heating networks.

• Design and Development:

  • Develop efficient heat extraction and transfer systems compatible with existing infrastructure.

  • Optimise materials and technologies to balance cost-effectiveness and thermal efficiency.

• Environmental and Economic Analysis:

  • Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

  • Perform economic analyses, including cost-benefit evaluations and funding strategies.

• Regulatory Compliance and Policy Alignment:

  • Navigate legal frameworks and obtain necessary permits.

  • Align with Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES) and national sustainability goals.

Why Collaborate with Us:

• Innovative Approach:

  • Utilising gravity-fed discharge points minimises environmental disturbance and reduces costs.

  • Advances the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of mine water heat extraction technologies.

• Expertise and Dedication:

  • We are a team of MEng Civil Engineering students from Heriot-Watt University committed to sustainable engineering solutions.

  • Our academic background equips us with up-to-date knowledge and a strong foundation in renewable energy systems.

• Mutual Benefits:

  • Collaborative efforts can lead to scalable solutions applicable in other regions.

  • Partners can leverage our research to support their sustainability initiatives and projects.

We Are Seeking Partners with Expertise In:

• Geothermal Energy and Heat Pump Technologies

• District Heating System Design and Implementation

• Environmental Impact Assessment

• Energy Policy, Regulation, and Economic Analysis

• Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration

Potential Collaboration Opportunities:

• Joint Research and Development:

  • Co-author studies and publications.

  • Share technical expertise and resources.

• Funding and Grants:

  • Collaborate on applications for funding opportunities, such as the CETPartnership Joint Call 2024.

  • Pool resources for larger-scale project implementation.

• Pilot Projects and Demonstrations:

  • Implement test sites to validate concepts.

  • Monitor and analyse performance collaboratively.

Alignment with CETPartnership Goals:

This project aligns with the CETPartnership Joint Call 2024 by promoting innovation in low-carbon technologies and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into existing infrastructures. By advancing the TRL of mine water heat extraction, we contribute to sustainable energy transitions and resilient energy systems.

Contact Information:

We are eager to discuss how our project can align with your organization's goals and explore potential collaboration avenues.

• Email: bd2001@hw.ac.uk (Bruno), jb2015@hw.ac.uk (James), he2000@hw.ac.uk (Hannah), jy2006@hw.ac.uk (Joshua), fw2002@hw.ac.uk (Francis)

• Phone: +447525860434 (Bruno)