Glasgow under-street heating plan unveiled Published duration 13 February 2013

media caption Backers of geothermal energy say it provides a cheap source of heating

Researchers are launching a project which aims to use water from abandoned coal mines to provide up to 40% of Glasgow's heat.

It is hoped reservoirs in the city's old tunnels can be used to create geothermal energy.

The process uses pumps to extract heat from the stored water, which can provide a cheap way to heat homes.

A Glasgow Caledonian University team will identify underground reservoirs with the potential to heat homes.

The researchers expect to create a blueprint of the whole city within three years.

The first stage of the work will focus on the Clyde Gateway regeneration area, which covers a large area of east Glasgow.

Geotechnical specialist Dr Nicholas Hytiris said Glasgow could become the latest city to have under-street heating, after Hamburg and Stockholm.

"We believe this technology will, in the long term, be able to provide cheaper and more sustainable heating, which could be an answer to fuel poverty issues prevalent in many areas of Glasgow, particularly those with a mining past and a legacy of poor-quality housing and high unemployment," he said.

"In three years' time we will have a full and accurate record of what is going on beneath our feet and then we can go on from there."

The British Geological Survey has offered access to its data for the project, including a 3D model of the city, while the work will be done by PHD student Emma Church, part-funded by Scottish Power.

Derek Drummond, sustainable technology manager at Scottish Power, said: "This is an excellent project which could prove to be very beneficial for the city and its residents.

"The initial work around the Clyde Gateway regeneration area should allow a good understanding of the technical challenges involved in capturing this energy, and how it could be applied to other areas.

"It is important that we can fully understand how this energy will integrate with the electricity network."