Baroness Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, visited County Durham’s Seaham Garden Village to witness a groundbreaking
low-carbon heating project using mine water heat.
Hosted by the Mining Remediation Authority at the Dawdon mine water treatment scheme, Baroness Taylor saw how naturally warm water from disused mines will provide sustainable heating to 750 new homes. She also toured the first completed homes that will be connected to the system.
“It’s fantastic to see the level of innovation here at Seaham, using natural resources in the area to create more energy efficient homes.
Paired with the level of cooperation between multiple public and private organisations makes this an exciting project to visit”, said Baroness Taylor.
The pioneering heat network is a joint effort between the Mining Remediation Authority, Karbon Homes, Esh Group, Vital Energi, and Durham County Council. It demonstrates how the UK’s former coalfields can be transformed into sources of clean energy, helping to meet both housing and net zero targets.
Karma Harvey, Acting Innovation and Services Director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:
“It was great to showcase our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme and how the site will now serve a dual purpose, continuing to treat mine water while also providing sustainable heat to affordable homes.
Seaham Garden Village is a pioneering example of how we can repurpose Great Britain’s mining legacy to deliver real benefits for communities today. By harnessing geothermal energy from disused mines, we’re creating a low-carbon heating solution that could be replicated nationwide. This project highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in unlocking new sources of clean, affordable heat”.
Paul Fiddaman, Chief Executive of Karbon Homes, added:
“We were delighted to have Baroness Taylor visit Seaham Garden Village and see what can be achieved when parties work together to deliver innovative projects which bring significant environmental benefits.
Making use of the currently untapped heat from the disused mines under our feet to keep houses warm, is something we’re really proud to be involved with, and paired with boasting a range of energy efficiency technologies, like solar PV panels, the new homes we’re delivering at Seaham Garden Village will be well on the way to net zero”.
Seaham Garden Village, which received official “garden village” status in 2019, is a ten-year development set to deliver 1,500 homes, a village centre, primary school, and health and wellbeing hub—all nestled along Durham’s heritage coastline.
This flagship project is a shining example of how disused mines can fuel the future of sustainable living across Great Britain. Photo credit: Karbon Homes.