Cabinet Secretary visits landmark mine water heat scheme

Welsh Minister Rebecca Evans opens Wales' first commercial mine water heat scheme in Ammanford, showcasing low-carbon energy from former coal mines.

Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said:

Wales’ first commercial mine water heat scheme, in Ammanford, has been officially opened today by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans.

The pioneering project was developed by the Mining Remediation Authority, at its existing Lindsay mine water treatment scheme, in partnership with local renewable energy company Thermal Earth Ltd and Innovate UK.

Low-carbon heating and hot water is now being delivered to an industrial unit and offices on the Capel Hendre Industrial Estate in a flagship example of how Wales is turning its industrial past into a sustainable energy future.

Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said:

In Wales, we want to lead the way in renewable energy solutions that make the most of our industrial heritage.

By repurposing our former mining infrastructure to provide clean, sustainable heat, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also creating new economic opportunities in our communities and strengthening local economies.

The Lindsay scheme uses heat exchangers submerged in treatment ponds to extract warmth from naturally heated mine water, which is then boosted to replace fossil fuel heating, saving an estimated 17.5 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

It was identified as a prime opportunity through detailed mine water heat mapping commissioned by the Welsh Government and delivered by the Mining Remediation Authority.

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