Gateshead Minewater Heat Network

The Gateshead Mine Water Heat Network, run by the council owned Gateshead Energy Company, is an outstanding example of how communities can benefit from a widespread role out of low-carbon heat infrastructure.

The network currently supplies 23 buildings which includes three tower consisting of 350 homes. The project is estimated to save 72,000 tonnes of CO2 over 40 years which equates to annual savings of about 1,800 tonnes CO2 per annum.

This project has transformed mines, allowing them to continue as a source of jobs and economic stability, whilst creating a just, low-cost path towards decarbonised heat. This is paving the way for the rollout of decarbonised heat infrastructure and should be used as an exemplary project for other local authorities and cities to look to as part of this transition.