Water Energy Innovators Tap Coal Mines For Thermal Heat

Though abandoned coal mines are not typically known for the environmental benefits they offer, a project in the U.K. shows how that is quickly changing.

“Britain’s deep coal mines have become a surprising source of green energy, one that’s been heating the town of Gateshead successfully for six months,” Good News Network reported. “Inundated by flood waters that became heated by the Earth’s core, Britain suddenly had a semi-naturally occurring geothermal energy source to harvest.”

To make the most of this natural resource, Gateshead Council installed a central heat pump to harvest the warmth and provide low-carbon heating to more than 300 high-rise buildings, offices, a college, and numerous local businesses.