Time Zero for Net Zero: A Coal Mine Baseline for Decarbonising Heat

Mine water geothermal energy could provide sustainable heating, cooling and storage to assist in the decarbonisation of heat achieving Net Zero carbon emissions. However, mined environments are highly complex we currently lack understanding confidently enable a widespread, cost-effective deployment technology. Extensive repeated use subsurface as thermal source/store optimisation operational infrastructure encompasses range scientific technical challenges that require broad partnerships address. We present emerging results pioneering multidisciplinary collaboration formed around an at-scale mine research Glasgow, United Kingdom. Focused on mined, urban environment, approaches have been applied both characterise environmental change before activities generate “time zero” datasets, develop novel monitoring tools for environmentally-sound operations. Time zero soil chemistry, ground gas, surface groundwater characterisation, together with motion seismic monitoring, document ongoing seasonal temporal variability can be considered typical post-industrial, environment underlain by abandoned, flooded coal workings. In addition, over 550 water, rock gas samples collected during borehole drilling testing underwent diverse geochemical, isotopic microbiological analysis. Initial indicate connected modern groundwater, resolve distinctive chemical, organic stable isotope signatures from different horizons offer promise basis methods. Biogeochemical interactions sulphur, iron, plus indications microbially-mediated mineral oxidation/reduction reactions further investigation long term operation. Integration wide array time observations coupled processes has significant potential inform development efficient resilient design fit-for-purpose quest towards meeting targets.