A small village in British Columbia plans to heat and cool its buildings using water from abandoned coal shafts beneath the community, reported the University of Victoria.
Cumberland mined coal from 1888 until the late 1960s. The closed mines left behind a maze of flooded passageways beneath the community.
The University of Victoria's Accelerating Community Energy Transformation program is working with the town to tap into this underground water supply. The project harnesses the temperature gap between ground level and the mines to run heat pumps.
Water trapped in the former mine shafts maintains a warmer temperature than the air above during winter. In summer, the underground water stays cooler. Heat pumps move this thermal energy to buildings while producing almost no carbon.
The system functions as an underground heat exchange. Plans target a proposed community hub with town offices and an industrial area near Comox Lake.
Mayor Vickey Brown sees the project as honoring the village's mining history while creating a cleaner future. The town hopes to attract greenhouses and food processors by offering affordable thermal energy.
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Geologist Cory MacNeill helped launch the project after discussions with other local geologists about repurposing the abandoned mines. "It's about reimagining these old resources and relics of industry," he said. "It's really powerful to look at all of this mining and look at ways that we can benefit from it from a more environmental standpoint."
While Cumberland's geothermal project supplies energy for the whole community, you can take action at home to slash your energy costs. Installing solar panels can bring your energy expenses to at or near $0. Check out TCD's Solar Explorer to connect with vetted installers and compare competitive bids. Eligible users can save up to $10,000.
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Another Solar Explorer partner, EnergySage, can help you claim incentives, receive competitive bids, and find installers. Pair solar with an upgraded HVAC to save up to 50% on your heat and cooling bills. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find the right system for your financial situation.
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