NewsStory

English housing scheme using warmth from mine water wins energy award

KROV newsroom

12 Nov 2026, 2:58 am IST1 min read

DiscussionThe story behind the news.

Painted cutaway of homes above water in former mine workings.

A heating network that draws warmth from water in a former coal mine has won the Gamechanger Award at the 2026 Accelerate to Zero Awards. The Mining Remediation Authority said on November 10 that the Seaham Garden Village scheme in north-east England received the award at a November 5 ceremony in Glasgow.

The authority already pumps water from the flooded former Dawdon mine for treatment. It says the water is naturally 18–20°C. A heat pump raises the temperature so the network can deliver heat to homes.

The network began operating in September 2026 and has started supplying the first homes, the authority says. It is designed to serve 750 affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village.

Cover image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.

Sources and credits

Credit: Mining Remediation Authority, GOV.UK (Crown copyright) · Summarised/translated by KROV · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

More context. A clearer perspective.

KROV · CONVERSATION

Comments

Share your perspective respectfully. Comments appear after review. Please do not share personal information.

Loading comments…

England to study resale prices of homes designed for older people

Scotland adds £2 million to housing support for low-income renters

England seeks feedback on new science and care courses for 2028

Off-grid woodland centre under construction at England’s Yarner Wood

England asks colleges to help 16- to 18-year-olds return to learning