The Seaham Garden Village mine water heat network has been recognised with the Gamechanger Award at the 2026 Accelerate to Zero Awards. The award ceremony took place on Thursday 5 November 2026, as part of BE-ST Fest in Glasgow, celebrating innovative approaches to support a just transition in the built environment.
The scheme utilises warm water, naturally between 18°C and 20°C, from the Dawdon mine water treatment scheme. A 733kW water source heat pump increases the water's temperature before it is distributed through a heat network to 750 affordable homes.
Andrew Simpson, head of innovation, by-products and service delivery at the Mining Remediation Authority, expressed delight at the win, stating the scheme demonstrates how a former coalfield's mining legacy can benefit the community by providing clean, affordable, and secure heat. The project is expected to save 505 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The heat network was developed through a partnership involving Durham County Council, the Mining Remediation Authority, Karbon Homes, and Vital Energi. Vital Energi also designed and built the energy centre and network, and will act as the long-term energy services company.