An innovative project in Glasgow’s east end is investigating the potential for untapped mine water to be harnessed as geothermal energy that could be used to help heat millions of homes in the UK.
The geothermal research observatory will explore underground mine workings via 12 boreholes drilled to varying depths in Dalmarnock and Rutherglen’s Cuningar Loop.
So far, scientists have drilled four boreholes with the remaining eight partially drilled exploratory channels to be completed by autumn this year.
Alison Monaghan, geologist and science team lead for the Glasgow Geothermal Research Observatory, said: “Across the world there are already small schemes that use the technology of mine water geothermal and in the first couple of years of what we’re doing in Glasgow should have a big impact as to how more widely the technology could be used.
