{"analytics_identifier":null,"base_path":"/government/news/mine-water-heat-network-wins-national-award","content_id":"940acac5-148a-4210-ae22-fa8d0f8d6441","description":"Seaham Garden Village's heat network, which uses water from our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme, has won a Gamechanger Award.","details":{"attachments":[],"body":"<div class=\"govspeak\"><p>The Seaham Garden Village mine water heat network has won the Gamechanger Award at the 2026 Accelerate to Zero Awards.</p>\n\n<p>Judges chose the scheme from projects across the UK. It was recognised at a ceremony on Thursday 5 November 2026, held as part of BE-ST Fest in Glasgow. The award celebrates innovative ways to support a just transition in the built environment.</p>\n\n<p>Andrew Simpson, head of innovation, by-products and service delivery at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n  <p>We’re delighted that Seaham Garden Village has won the Gamechanger Award.</p>\n\n  <p>The scheme shows what’s possible when we put a former coalfield’s mining legacy to work for the community. It uses warm water from our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme to provide clean, affordable and secure heat for hundreds of homes.</p>\n\n  <p class=\"last-child\">It’s a fantastic result for everyone involved. I’d like to thank everyone across the project and partnership for making it happen.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://youtu.be/5kjqf1vd3G8\">Project Manager, Stuart Bellwood, reflects on what the project means to him and to the former coalfield community it serves</a></p>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-the-scheme-works\">How the scheme works</h2>\n\n<p>Our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme already pumps water from the flooded mine to the surface. This water is naturally between 18°C and 20°C.</p>\n\n<p>A 733kW water source heat pump increases the temperature of the water. The heat then travels through a heat network to 750 affordable homes. The scheme is expected to save 505 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.</p>\n\n<p>Kieran Walsh, regional manager for Vital Energi, said:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n  <p>This is a really special project because it continues the story of the north-east’s mining heritage. It gives the infrastructure at Dawdon Colliery a new purpose, providing low-carbon heat for the surrounding area.</p>\n\n  <p class=\"last-child\">We’re also acting as the long-term energy services company. We’ll provide the heating and support customers, so this award is a fantastic way to begin that relationship.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<h2 id=\"protecting-the-local-water-supply\">Protecting the local water supply</h2>\n\n<p>Dawdon Colliery began producing coal in 1904 and operated for 85 years. After it closed, the mine workings gradually filled with groundwater, rainwater and seawater.</p>\n\n<p>The Dawdon mine water treatment scheme pumps and treats this water to protect the local aquifer. The heat network does not change this safety role. It gives the same site a second use.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"about-the-partnership\">About the partnership</h2>\n\n<p>Durham County Council, the Mining Remediation Authority, Karbon Homes and Vital Energi developed the heat network together. Vital Energi designed and built the energy centre and network.</p>\n\n<p>The network will supply affordable heat to 750 affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village. The village is part of a wider masterplan for 1,500 homes.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"other-mine-water-treatment-schemes\">Other mine water treatment schemes</h2>\n\n<p>We operate more than 80 mine water treatment schemes across Great Britain. Seaham Garden Village shows how this existing infrastructure could also provide low-carbon heat.</p>\n\n<div class=\"contact contact\" id=\"contact_6600\">\n    <p class=\"govuk-body\">For media enquiries contact the community response team</p>\n\n\n    <div>\n        <p class=\"govuk-body govuk-!-margin-bottom-4\">\n          Email <a class=\"govuk-link\" href=\"mailto:communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk\">communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk</a>\n        </p>\n\n\n        <p class=\"govuk-body govuk-!-margin-bottom-4\">\n          Telephone 0800 288 4211\n        </p>\n    </div>\n\n    <p class=\"govuk-body\">For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.<br>Only urgent media calls will be attended to.</p>\n\n</div>\n</div>","change_history":[{"note":"First published.","public_timestamp":"2026-11-10T09:45:00Z"}],"emphasised_organisations":["e782b182-796b-4a83-a1ca-d2deaf47fea3"],"images":[{"caption":"Project team at the ceremony at Voco Grand Central 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