Mine Water as a Source of Energy—Case Study from Poland

Magdalena Starczewska (), Anna Sowiżdżał, Kajetan d’Obyrn and Damian Cień
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Magdalena Starczewska: Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Anna Sowiżdżał: Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Kajetan d’Obyrn: Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Damian Cień: Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-14

Abstract: The energy sector in Poland is primarily based on fossil fuels, mainly coal. Hard coal mining is one of the most important industries in Poland. Hard coal deposits in Poland are found in three basins, but mining is currently carried out in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) and the Lublin Coal Basin (LCB). The Upper Silesian Coal Basin is Poland’s central hard coal basin, with the most significant coal production extending across Poland and the Czech Republic. Approximately 80% of proven hard coal resources in Poland are found in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). There is a tremendous amount of water in active and abandoned hard coal mines, which must be drained daily. Relatively high temperatures characterize mine water. This study analyzed the geological and hydrogeological conditions of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and determined the potential for the use of mine waters for energy purposes. Depending on the location of the mine, the volume of mine water inflow ranges from 1 to 60 m 3 /min. The temperature of the pumped water is between 13 and 25 °C. In Poland, several such pilot installations have already been created; it is worth taking a closer look at the following examples. Heat recovery from mine drainage water can significantly reduce atmospheric emissions, which is particularly important in mining areas affected by low emissions. Therefore, Poland must raise the issue of using mined water for energy purposes, especially when making decisions related to decommissioning mines and developing post-mining areas.

Keywords: heat pumps; mine water; heat recovery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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