Gateshead-based Lanchester Wines has made headlines in the energy efficiency sector by harnessing geothermal heat from a disused coal mine to keep its warehouses at ideal wine storage temperatures. The innovative approach has seen energy bills slashed over the past eight winters, with the company drawing warmth from water that consistently sits at approximately 19C within the nearby flooded mine.
The system relies on extracting this naturally warm water and transferring it through a heat pump before distribution via pipes within the warehouses. This maintains an optimal environment of 8-10C for wine storage, preventing spoilage while also providing staff with a more comfortable working environment – although they are encouraged to wear fleeces.
Lanchester Wines' pioneering use of geothermal heating from disused coal mines is a relatively rare practice in the UK and Europe. The journey was not without its challenges; initial boreholes were poorly located, and a complex access agreement with the government-run Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) caused significant delays. However, after nearly two years of renegotiation, a streamlined deal is now in place until 2044.
The success of Lanchester Wines' project presents an attractive case study for wider adoption, considering the UK's estimated 23,000 flooded coal mines and the potential for businesses to transition away from fossil fuels. Approximately 25% of UK homes and numerous businesses are situated either above or near these subterranean heat sources, offering a considerable opportunity to alleviate escalating heating costs.
While experts acknowledge technical challenges remain, including risks associated with drilling into old mines and corrosion caused by minerals in mine water, the consistent temperatures often make it an attractive geothermal option. The North East is at the forefront of this emerging technology, hosting Great Britain's largest mine water heat network.