Paul Younger Energy Centre

South Tyneside Council has committed to achieving net-zero carbon operations by 2030. A significant component of this initiative is the development of the Paul Younger Energy Centre in Hebburn, designed to provide renewable heat to public sector buildings through an innovative mine water heating system. The project involves extracting warm water from disused, flooded mines by drilling two boreholes into the ground and using pumps to collect the mine water. The challenge lies in effectively harnessing this sustainable energy source to reduce reliance on traditional gas-fired boilers and achieve substantial carbon savings.

G&T was appointed to provide Cost Management services, overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and cost control to ensure the project's economic viability. Our expertise facilitated the efficient allocation of resources, enabling the integration of a two-stage 450kW air-to-water source heat pump system. This system captures ambient heat from the air and converts it into low-temperature hot water, providing reliable, lower-carbon heating. By minimising the use of traditional gas-fired boilers, the project is set to deliver carbon savings of approximately 319 tonnes per year. 

The successful implementation of the Paul Younger Energy Centre positions South Tyneside Council closer to its net-zero carbon goals. The facility not only showcases the practical application of renewable energy technologies but also serves as a model for other councils aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. By utilising mine water as a sustainable heat source, the project exemplifies innovative approaches to energy management, contributing to broader environmental and sustainability objectives.