By Michael C. Korb, P.E., Senior Mining Engineer, Tetra Tech, Inc.
One of Pennsylvania’s potential sources of water for geothermal systems is mine-water pools. Heating and cooling buildings with mine-water makes use of what was previously thought of as a dirty problem.
Application of this technology is also proven for almost 40 years.
Mine-water geothermal can give many areas of the Commonwealth a rather remarkable source of heating/cooling which is perhaps the most economical, energy-efficient, low carbon footprint scheme.
There are currently mine-water geothermal operating systems in Nova Scotia, Scotland, Netherlands, Missouri; and Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Mines that are flooded with water - mine pools - are essentially almost unlimited aquifers. Mine-water geothermal projects are feasible when there is a mine pool located nearby.
Pennsylvania should recognize that mine pools are underutilized energy sources, should be considered community assets, and should encourage their use for future sustainable energy projects.
District heating and cooling utilizing mine-water geothermal could be a “community-based approach focused on long-term economic diversification and recovery of communities formerly dependent on coal.”
