Information on mine water heat access agreements
Published 27 March 2024
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Anyone wanting to access coal mine workings for the purpose of a mine water heating, cooling or storage scheme or research project will require permission from the owner of the coal mine workings.
In most cases in England, Scotland and Wales, the owner will be the Coal Authority.
A permit to drill is required for drilling that intersects with any remaining coal or coal mine workings.
A mine water heat access agreement is required for testing and operating a mine water heat scheme.
In providing these permissions, the Coal Authority will review applications for their consideration of the risks related to:
- mine gas
- ground stability
- water levels
- water chemistry
If you are considering developing a mine water heat scheme we advise making early contact with the Coal Authority’s mine water heat licensing team for an information pack.
This pack incudes details of the permissions required and the application process.
In developing a scheme, the requirements of the relevant environmental regulator also need to be in place, which may differ based on the location and specific scheme details.
| Country | Environmental regulator |
|---|---|
| England | Environment Agency |
| Scotland | Scottish Environment Protection Agency |
| Wales | Natural Resources Wales |
Operators and applicants are advised to contact the relevant environmental regulator for guidance.
Additional permissions, such as planning permission, may be required and applicants need to consider appropriate notifications to the Health and Safety Executive.
1. Schemes within England
The environmental regulator is the Environment Agency.
A combined process has been developed between the Environment Agency and the Coal Authority which sets out the stages involved in securing the relevant permissions.
The documentation for this process is included within the information pack.
2. Schemes within Scotland and Wales
The regulators are:
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland
- Natural Resources Wales in Wales
For schemes within Scotland and Wales a combined process is currently being developed.
Coal Authority mine water heat licensing team
Coal Authority
200 Lichfield Lane
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG18 4RG