The Gateshead Heat Exchange

TRUST (Transitioning Retrofit Users to Sustainable Technology)

The Gateshead Heat Exchange podcast explores how Gateshead is harnessing heat from abandoned coal mines to provide low-carbon heating for local homes. Hosted by Northumbria University researcher Faye Doughty, this three-part series takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the UK's pioneering mine water heat networks. Through conversations with experts, contractors and researchers, the podcast examines how the technology works, what residents can expect during installation, and why community engagement is central to a successful energy transition.

Episodes

  1. Jun 28

    Episode 1: What is a mine water heat network?

    In the first episode of The Gateshead Heat Exchange podcast,host Faye Doughty, a researcher at Northumbria University, explores what a district heat network is and how Gateshead is using an unusual source of energy: warm water from abandoned coal mines. Faye speaks to Matthew Jordison, Energy Operations TeamLeader at Gateshead Council, about how Gateshead Energy Company's network works, and how heat is captured from flooded mine workings 150 metres below ground. She also hears from Ben Leach, Managing Director of PSL DistrictHeating, about what it means for a home to be connected to a heat network rather than relying on an individual gas boiler.   The episode covers: What a district heat network is, and how it differs from a traditional gas boilerHow mine water heat is captured and used as a renewable energy sourceThe history of Gateshead's heat network, from its conception in 2016The benefits of connectionWhat residents can expect after being connected Credits The Gateshead Heat Exchange podcast is produced by the TRUST (Transitioning Retrofit Users to Sustainable Technology) research team at Northumbria University (Michael Smith, Faye Doughty, Danielle Goldring, Helen Simmons). Hosted by: Faye Doughty Edited by: Helen Simmons Guests: Matthew Jordison (Gateshead Council) and Ben Leach (PSL District Heating) The Gateshead Heat Exchange podcast is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council via the Northern Net Zero Accelerator (Project Number 889013).

    12 min

About

The Gateshead Heat Exchange podcast explores how Gateshead is harnessing heat from abandoned coal mines to provide low-carbon heating for local homes. Hosted by Northumbria University researcher Faye Doughty, this three-part series takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the UK's pioneering mine water heat networks. Through conversations with experts, contractors and researchers, the podcast examines how the technology works, what residents can expect during installation, and why community engagement is central to a successful energy transition.