Dutch City Opens World’s First Mine Water Power Station
Last week, the Dutch city of Heerlen opened the world’s first geothermal power station that uses water heated in old coalmine shafts. The power station works by pumping water up from 800 meters deep in the mines. At that depth, the water reaches a temperature of 35 C (95 F). It heats 350 homes and is pumped back into the mines after use, where it recirculates two to three times a year.
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Scientists working on the project say that it will produce 55 percent fewer CO2 emissions than a coal-fired power station. They are working on a carbon capture system for the geothermal power station— but such systems can take many years to get going.
The only major drawback to the project is that homes can only use the power station’s heat if they are close to the mines. But in old mining towns with lots of jobless residents, geothermal projects such as Heerlen’s could be just the thing to get the local economy moving.
Photo credit: The Minewater Project
This seems like it would benefit towns and cities located near coal mines here in America. And a project of this sort will revive the local communities and bring in new residents to fill the jobs. I hope that somehow these cities in America hear of this and can find a way to upgrade their towns if this is feasible for them.
Is there any cost reduction for those living near the mines?
@Patricia - right on! I’m just wondering where the water is coming from, and if the entire process is cost effective enough to make it a viable option.