Work has begun on one of the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat projects that will provide heat for new affordable homes in Seaham.
Esh Construction, working on behalf of Karbon Homes, is building the first phase of 750 affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village and will adopt the new technology by connecting the new homes to the ultra-low carbon district heat network.
The initiative is being led by Durham County Council, the Mining Remediation Authority and Karbon Homes and will harness geothermal heat from disused coal mines. By utilising water already being pumped to the surface, this project marks a landmark step forward in expanding renewable heat solutions across former coalfield areas.
Esh’s Chief Executive, Andy Radcliffe, joined representatives at the Mining Remediation Authority’s Dawdon Mine Water Treatment Scheme in County Durham, where an Energy Centre is now under construction to tap into the mine water being treated at the facility. He said: “It was a pleasure to meet with those who are spearheading the innovative mine water project and learn more about the process that will soon be connected to the affordable homes we are building at Seaham Garden Village.
“This is the first time Esh will utilise this solution on site, and we are proud to play our part alongside Karbon Homes to develop this new sustainability community with homes that are fit for the future.”
The Energy Centre – being built and operated by Vital Energi – will increase the water temperature through a heat exchange then the water will be provided to the new homes through a new pipe network.
Paul Fiddaman, Chief Executive of Karbon Homes, said: “Our involvement in the delivery of Seaham Garden Village shows our commitment to investing in the area, working with our construction partner Esh to build new affordable homes that help meet local housing need.
“With further commitments to ensuring the homes we build are of the highest quality and energy efficiency, it’s fantastic to partner with Durham County Council and the Mining Remediation Authority to connect our homes to this innovative low carbon heat system, one of the first of its kind in the country.
“Paired with boasting a range of energy efficiency technologies, like solar PV panels, these homes will be well on the way to net zero.”
Cllr Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We are delighted to have started work on what will be the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat project using a mine water treatment scheme, right here in County Durham.
“This innovative project will have significant environmental benefits – making use of currently untapped heat to keep houses warm, and, in doing so, avoiding the need to use non-renewable sources of energy.
“The affordable properties will also provide a welcome boost to County Durham residents looking to get on the housing ladder; while the prospect of more homes, a school and innovation hubs in the future will, we hope, attract people looking for somewhere to live, families and those seeking work.
“A lot of planning has gone into this project in recent years involving a number of organisations and it’s therefore really exciting to have all the necessary agreements in place and work starting on the ground.”
The mine water project has received £4.3 million from the government’s Heat Networks Investment Project; including £3.23 million towards construction.
Richard Bond, Innovation and Services Director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said: “This scheme is a further milestone in our journey to harness mine water heat to provide sustainable heating solutions across the former coalfields. It opens up possibilities to use our treatment facilities across the UK, where warm water is already being pumped to the surface.
“With over 80 mine water treatment schemes across the UK, we see great potential to deliver dual-purpose facilities that protect water supplies and generate renewable heat. Whether accessing mine water heat via our treatment schemes or boreholes, the Mining Remediation Authority is proud to offer innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions by repurposing the amazing UK coal-mining heritage.”
The 78-hectare garden village, located on the A182 going into Seaham town centre, has sustainability and community spirit at its heart. It will include a new primary school, convenience retail and health and wellbeing facilities. Taking advantage of the location on the Durham heritage coast, around 50% of the garden village will be dedicated to managed green space and a range of landscapes and spaces, with over three miles of landscaped paths and cycle routes.
The delivery is supported by funding from Homes England, through the housing association’s Strategic Partnership with the government’s housing delivery agency. Alongside the affordable housing scheme, another 750 homes are being developed by national housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes.
This is the first time Esh will utilise this solution on site, and we are proud to play our part alongside Karbon Homes to develop this new sustainability community with homes that are fit for the future.”