Drawing energy from coal mines

In Heerlen, the Netherlands warm and cold water volumes from abandoned mines are used for the heating and cooling of buildings in a district heating system. Heerlen operates since the end of 2008 an outstanding and unique energy supply system based on a low exergy infrastructure. The combination of low temeperature heating and high temperature cooling transfer systems, advanced ventilation technologies and an integrated desgin of buildings and building services, provide excellent thermal comfort and improved indoor air quality 365 days/year, combined with a CO2 reduction of 50% in comparison to a comparable solution.