Mine Water Heat
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from the Coal Authority.
This is the introductory paragraph.
The Coal Authority is working with partners to unlock the heat within our historical coal mine network, to transform the homes and workplaces of the future.
The Coal Authority doesn’t have much of a historic product, so selling the heat from the mines could be an environmentally-friendly revenue scheme.
These four paragraphs are the heart of the press release.
As part of our work to make a better future for people and the environment in mining areas, we’re exploring opportunities to use mine water to heat and cool homes and businesses.
Water within the mines is warmed by natural processes and can, if sustainably managed, provide a continuous supply of heat. Mine water temperatures are not affected by seasonal variations and, subject to the right support, mine water can provide renewable, secure, low carbon heating for buildings in coalfield areas.
With heating accounting for 40% of energy use in the UK, mine water heat could improve the sustainability of the places where we live and work. Mine water heat could also play a part in the UK’s efforts to tackle climate change and support its net zero future.
The Coal Authority are working with academics, local authorities, central government and others to help realise the potential of mine water heat. We’re supporting the delivery of mine water heat projects and working with others to make them happen.
The press release then adds more details and describes specific projects.
Mines For Storing Electricity
We also mustn’t forget other uses for abandoned coal mines.
I particularly like Gravitricity’s idea of used abandoned deep mines to store energy, that I wrote about in Gravitricity Explores Czech Coal Mine For MW-Scale Storage.
I hope the Coal Authority has its eyes on this ball.
Conclusion
I first became aware of the ability to extract heat from abandoned coal mines at a lecture at the Geological Society of London, after which I wrote Can Abandoned Mines Heat Our Future?.
I believe that for some parts of the country, this could become the preferred technology for heating homes and businesses.
The technology was even featured on the BBC tonight.
eCargo Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bikes To Begin Real-World Test In Aberdeen
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Hydrogen Fuel News.
These are some points from the article.
- The bikes will be trialled on last mile applications in Aberdeen.
- The bikes are from Electric Assisted Vehicles from Bicester.
- Six bikes will be used in this trial to gain real world experience of the bikes.
It is interesting to note, that EAV claim, they developed these vehicles as they were worried about the environmental impact of battery electric vehicles.
Sudbury Town Station – 6th January 2022
As I was visiting the next station Sudbury Hill, I popped in to Sudbury Town station and took these pictures.
Note.
- The station is Grade II* Listed.
- It has been made partially step-free by the means of a crude ramp.
- It is a typical Charles Holden design.
Despite its high status, it is not one of the best stations on the Piccadilly Line.
Sudbury Hill Station – 6th January 2022
Sudbury Hill station is now step-free, as these pictures show.
Adding two brick lift towers seems to work well at this Grade II Listed station, that was designed by Charles Holden.
National Express Deploys Hydrogen Double-Deckers In The West Midlands
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Renewable Energy Magazine.
This is the first paragraph.
National Express has deployed 20 hydrogen double-decker buses purchased by Birmingham City Council, serving West Midlands route 51 to Walsall via Perry Barr from 6th December 2021– the only hydrogen buses operating in England outside London.
The buses are from Wrightbus.
The article also says this about the source of the hydrogen.
The council are also collaborating with ITM, who are producing and dispensing the hydrogen fuel from the new re-fuelling hub at Tyseley Energy Park.
This is surely the way to do it. Hydrogen buses with a local source of freshly-picked hydrogen.
The Anonymous Widower 