Sustainability Award
As the UK energy transition continues to gather pace Deloitte partnered with the Mining Remediation Authority to help advance the development of heat networks supplied by heat stored in mine water across the country – a unique opportunity to leverage the legacy of our mining heritage and bring positive opportunities to coalfield communities.
As the UK energy transition continues to gather pace Deloitte partnered with the Mining Remediation Authority to help advance the development of heat networks supplied by heat stored in mine water across the country – a unique opportunity to leverage the legacy of our mining heritage and bring positive opportunities to coalfield communities.
Through this partnership Deloitte leveraged the breadth of its expertise, experience and network to develop a comprehensive plan to progress these critical projects across Great Britain, cutting emissions and enhancing the viability of heat networks.
Together Deloitte and the Mining Remediation Authority adopted a multifaceted approach to addressing the economic opportunity, geographical alignment of resources and demand. This included analysis of the commercial considerations crucial for attracting the private investment required to realise the potential of the legacy from Great Britain’s industrial past.
The first step involved a rigorous financial analysis, comparing the efficiency of mine water heat as a low carbon input to heat networks against the dominant low carbon alternative, centralised air source heat pumps. This analysis revealed a compelling business case for potential investors.
To fully grasp the potential of mine water heat, Deloitte then embarked on a detailed geospatial mapping exercise. This involved identifying and analysing potential mine water sources across GB, taking into account factors such as water temperature, volume, and accessibility, using data provided by the Mining Remediation Authority. This data was then overlaid with maps of potential heat demand, considering the locations of homes, businesses, and public buildings.
With a clearer picture of the financial and geographical viability of mine water heat, attention was turned to the commercial landscape. Recognising that private investors require a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the risks, potential challenges were identified and new solutions proposed to mitigate these risks and attract investment. This process involved engaging in a continuous dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry experts, potential investors, local communities, and policymakers. This collaborative approach ensured findings were grounded in real-world considerations and reflected the needs of all parties involved.
The culmination of this comprehensive analysis was a detailed roadmap for the development of a solution which has the potential to heat 600,000 homes and businesses across Great Britain, significantly reducing the nation’s emissions and providing access to clean and affordable energy in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 7.
This dynamic blueprint has provided the Mining Remediation Authority with actionable recommendations, outlining the steps needed to overcome challenges and accelerate the adoption of this promising technology.
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