In a groundbreaking initiative, a business located near Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, has successfully harnessed flood water from a disused mine to provide a renewable heating source for its warehouse, marking Wales’ first use of mine water heating on this scale. This innovative project involves the active pumping of approximately 25 liters of mine water per second from the former Lindsay pit, which is cleaned before being released back into natural waterways. The water, which can reach temperatures up to 20°C depending on depth, presents a unique opportunity for sustainable heating.
Business owner Nick Salini has been a proponent of utilizing mine water for heating, having already integrated a ground source heat pump system that extracts warmer water from the surface treatment plant. This system operates effectively at a stable temperature of 14°C to 15°C, compressing the extracted water into a usable heat level for the building, which can also be scaled up to potentially heat numerous new properties.
The Welsh government has acknowledged the potential of mine water for renewable heating, expressing a desire for Wales to lead in such initiatives, despite past setbacks including the cancellation of a similar scheme in Bridgend in 2021 due to financial concerns. A newly published mine water heat opportunity map aims to identify other viable locations across Wales’ former coalfields for similar projects.
Innovation UK has funded the Ammanford project, yet securing funding for larger schemes remains challenging. Meanwhile, mine water heating projects are flourishing in England, with notable successes such as a completed scheme in Gateshead that serves over 600 homes and businesses.
Gareth Farr, from the Mining Remediation Authority, emphasized the potential for Wales to mirror the successes seen in northeast England, calling attention to the large population residing on the coalfields and the ensuing demand for sustainable heating solutions. Although the project near Ammanford involved some initial disruption during the pipe-laying phase, the long-term benefits of establishing such a renewable energy source are substantial.
Looking ahead, the Welsh government has indicated a lack of a dedicated heat network fund but is open to proposals aligning with local energy plans, promising the best outcomes in terms of decarbonization and broader community benefits. Additionally, Ynni Cymru has introduced a £10 million fund aimed at supporting innovative local energy projects, encouraging developers to capitalize on this opportunity.
