Low exergy in practice

Abandoned and flooded mines have a high potential for geothermal utilisation as well as heat or cold storage of water volumes in the remaining underground spaces. The use of mine water as a heat and cold source for the supply of buildings is one important aspect of a rational and sustainable utilisation of post-mining infrastructure and could result in positive socio-economic results for communities in areas of (former) mining activity. In Heerlen, the Netherlands, the redevelopment of a former mining area, including a large scale new building plan, is being executed with a low exergy infrastructure for the heating and cooling of buildings and using mine water as a sustainable source of energy.