Durham County Council secured almost £4 million in funding through the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) to develop a pioneering mine water heat network that will provide low carbon heating to a new affordable housing development near Seaham.
Vital Energi have begun work to construct the energy centre
A major milestone has been reached in the development of the heat network as Vital Energi begin work to construct the energy centre which will support the production of low carbon, sustainable heating for an initial 750 homes at the Seaham Garden Village development.
A standout example of innovation supported by the Government’s legacy Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP); the Seaham Garden Village will repurpose heat from former disused coal mines. The extracted mine water will be treated at the Mining Remediation Authority’s Dawdon Mine Water Treatment Scheme before being integrated into the district heat network.
Currently, water is extracted year-round at a temperature of 19-20 degrees Celsius, treated to remove heavy metals and then discharged into the sea. Instead, the heat from this water will be harnessed and the temperature increased via a heat exchange system at the newly constructed energy centre. It will then be distributed to homes via a newly installed pipe network.
While 750 affordable homes will initially connect to the network, the scheme is expected to expand over time, providing heat to 1,500 homes, a new village centre, primary school and innovation hubs.
The project is a collaborative effort, with the council partnering with the Mining Remediation Authority, Karbon Homes, and other key stakeholders to bring the scheme to life.
Ken Hunnisett, Programme Director, said:
“This project demonstrates how we can repurpose the UK’s industrial heritage to deliver sustainable, low-carbon heating. With support from the Heat Networks Investment Project, we’re transforming disused mine water into a valuable energy source, providing long-term benefits for the Seaham Garden Village community.”
