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A Performance Evaluation and Feasibility Study of Mine Thermal Energy Storage in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia

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  • Sara Sohrabikhah

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Larry Hughes

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

Abstract

Mine Thermal Energy Storage (MTES) offers a promising solution for sustainable heating by repurposing abandoned, water-filled mines as underground thermal reservoirs. This study assesses the feasibility of implementing MTES in Nova Scotia, with a focus on the Sydney coalfield region, particularly Glace Bay. The research combines geological analysis, residential heat demand estimation, thermal storage capacity estimation, and cost–benefit evaluation to determine whether abandoned coal mines can support district heating applications. Results show that MTES can deliver substantial heating cost reductions compared to oil-based systems, while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The study also explores the integration of MTES with local renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, to enhance energy system flexibility and reliability. International case studies from Springhill (Canada), Heerlen (Netherlands), and Bochum (Germany) are referenced to contextualize the analysis and demonstrate how the findings of this study align with broader MTES scalability, performance, and operational challenges. Key technical barriers, such as water quality management, infrastructure investment, and seasonal variability in heat demand, are discussed. Overall, the findings highlight MTES as a viable and sustainable energy storage approach for Nova Scotia and other regions with legacy mining infrastructure.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Sohrabikhah & Larry Hughes, 2025. "A Performance Evaluation and Feasibility Study of Mine Thermal Energy Storage in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4780-:d:1744775
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nussbaumer, T. & Thalmann, S., 2016. "Influence of system design on heat distribution costs in district heating," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 496-505.
    2. Al-Habaibeh, Amin & Athresh, Anup P. & Parker, Keith, 2018. "Performance analysis of using mine water from an abandoned coal mine for heating of buildings using an open loop based single shaft GSHP system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 393-402.
    3. David B. Walls & David Banks & Adrian J. Boyce & Neil M. Burnside, 2021. "A Review of the Performance of Minewater Heating and Cooling Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-33, September.
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