William Eichler 12 June 2023

MPs call for research into green energy from coal pits

MPs call for research into green energy from coal pits image
Image: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com.

MPs have called for an investigation on whether water in former coal pits could be used to provide green energy.

The all-party parliamentary group on coalfield communities will examine whether mine water can be used for cheap heating through geothermal power.

It is among a series of recommendations from the cross-party panel’s latest report, Next Steps in Levelling-Up the Former Coalfields.

It says the plan could provide a sustainable and reliable, low-cost warmth for communities in the former coalfields with little or no carbon footprint and could provide higher-skilled employment opportunities.

The report says 5.7 million people live in former coalfields, concentrated in areas such as the Welsh Valleys, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, County Durham, Northumberland and parts of Staffordshire.

The parliamentary group's chairwoman Alex Davies-Jones, MP for Pontypridd, said: 'This report is a milestone in our efforts to level up the former coalfields.

'The pit closures of the 1980s and 90s destroyed the economic base of too many places – picking up the pieces was never going to be easy.

'There has been real progress but this has often been too slow.

'We welcome the Government’s commitment to levelling-up.

'This now needs to be matched by actions based on our report’s recommendations.'

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Payroll Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £39150 per annum
Support the wellbeing of our workforce by getting the details right and delivering on time.Support the wellbeing of our workforce by getting the detai England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Principal Finance Officer - Insurance - WMF2218e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£40,777 - £41,771
Following a promotion within the team, we are seeking a Principal Finance Officer to join our insurance team. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Graduate Trainee – Digital Products and Services

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989 - £29,064
Are you passionate about improving digital services for everyone? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Graduate Trainee – Digital Products and Services

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989 - £29,064
Are you passionate about improving digital services for everyone? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner