Why Scotland's coal mines could have a real future in the 'Age of Electricity'
Water temperatures in mines a kilometre below ground can reach 40 degrees Celsius
Think coal mines are finished as we move ever further into the ‘Age of Electricity’? Think again – although not in the way that Donald ‘dig, baby dig’ Trump does.
According to a report by the Conservative Environment Network, the Central Belt’s former coal mines – all 600 cubic kilometres of them – could be used to generate considerable amounts of geothermal energy. Enough, in fact, to meet up to 8 per cent of domestic heating demand.
Water temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius in mines a kilometre below ground and this heat can be concentrated and supplied to homes and businesses through a network of pipes. A map of former mineworks shows just how many areas could benefit.
Conservative MP John Lamont criticised the SNP and Labour over their unrealistic approaches to the energy transition, while warning that Reform UK are “failing to recognise the geological reality that the oil and gas sector is in decline” – and the need to create new jobs.
Few would have thought they could be found in an old coal mine but this is precisely the kind of bold, innovative thinking that this country desperately needs.
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