Holborn Renewable Energy Network

Pages last updated: 29 July 2021

The Holborn Renewable Energy Network project is the Council's most ambitious energy scheme to date.

It aims to generate renewable energy by using heat from abandoned flooded mines and the River Tyne.

The network could provide renewable energy to Council-owned and other public sector buildings in South Shields.

It is anticipated that the total cost of the scheme will exceed £20m, however, the Council is working with Government departments to maximise any external funding opportunities.

Benefits

The scheme is a major component in the Council's drive towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

It has the potential to:

• save 2,436 tonnes of carbon a year
• cut annual carbon emissions by 22 percent
• save more than £800k a year

The scheme would use a combination of technologies:

• Solar panels, both floating and mounted on an energy centre, would provide much of the electricity to power water sourced heat pumps.
• Heat pumps would extract heat from water taken from abandoned flooded mines and the River Tyne, converting it into energy in the form of hot water. This hot water would be used to heat buildings in a network of insulated pipes.
• Gas produced from wood and green waste would also be converted into 100 percent renewable fuel for the energy centre.

Although the overall scheme is still in the development phase, the Council has already been successful in attracting over £4million Government funding for initial enabling works, which include the drilling of boreholes to extract the minewater.

Phase 1a of the project is now underway.

From July 2021 to Summer 2022:

Drilling began in July 2021.

• Two 750 millimetre diameter boreholes will be drilled into the ground to a depth of over 280 metres
• Pumps will be installed underground to extract water from abandoned flooded mines
• Wells will be constructed
• Mine water will be tested

Drilling is expected to be complete by June 2022.

The feasibility design of the Energy Centre Network and Northern Renewable Centre of Excellence has started as part of phase 1b. This will be completed by the Autumn 2022.

Project completion:

It is expected that the overall project will be completed in 2024/2025 (subject to funding and planning).

Heavy machinery and drilling equipment is in use.

There will be an increase in noise levels during the drilling.

Our contractor has measures in place to minimise the impact of this for those living nearby.

The drilling works have been planned according to health and safety regulations.

Regular updates will be posted on the site notice board.

Following the drilling works, and subject to funding and planning permission, Phase 2 will see the development of an energy centre and pipe distribution network.

Overall, the scheme is likely to combine:

• a river source heat pump
• a mine water heat pump
• a combined heat and power (CHP) back-up system
• solar panels
• a private wire electrical network with storage battery
• wood gasification plant

If you have any questions about the works call the Customer Contact Centre on 0191 427 7000.

News and updates

First Phase of Major Carbon-Cutting Scheme Underway - 20 May 2021