Abandoned mine shafts could be given new life
FLOODED and abandoned mines in Cornwall could provide a continuous, sustainable supply of heat in the future.
A new study hopes to give Cornwall’s 400 abandoned mines a new lease of life by demonstrating their potential to heat homes.
Cornwall Council, LiveWest and the National Trust have been awarded £67,000 from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for the project, and each organisation has pledged an additional £11,000.
The study is being carried out at Geevor, Levant and Botallack mines, near Pendeen. Water within the mines is warmed by natural processes due to the granite bedrock. Mine water temperatures are not affected by seasonal variations and, combined with heat pump technology, could provide renewable, lower cost and low carbon heating.
The initial study is seeking to explore the use of mine water heating, using shafts at Geevor Tin Mine in order to provide heating to LiveWest’s housing stock in the adjacent Boscaswell Estate, Geevor Tin Mine tourist attraction and Levant Mine visitors’ attraction.
If successful, this work could provide a model for the use of mine shafts across Cornwall in the future and, with around 400 abandoned mines, mine water heat could improve options for off-gas grid communities and play an important role in meeting carbon neutral ambitions.
Stephen Rushworth, Cornwall
Council’s Cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “In Cornwall, half of homes do not have access to mains gas, and so most rely on oil, LPG or electric night storage heating. Many homes are not suitable for air source heat pumps without expensive energy efficiency measures. This feasibility study could greatly improve options for our residents and further develop Cornwall’s geothermal industry.”
Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said: “Cornwall Council is committed to working with our communities to reduce carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change. This project is a great opportunity to explore innovative low carbon heating solutions for our rural communities.”
Ian Marsh, the National Trust’s general manager for West Cornwall, said: “We’re very excited to be working with Cornwall Council, LiveWest and Geevor Mine to look at the possibility of generating heat from flooded mine workings. The fact that they were once kept dry by steam engines, symbols of the Industrial Revolution, and could now generate carbon-free heat for both National Trust places and the communities that surround them, is fascinating.
“As a charity, we are committed to action against climate change, including being net zero in our carbon use by 2030, and we’re delighted to be contributing to the project.”