Modelling and Optimization of Thermal Energy Storage Systems in Legacy Coal Mines

Between 1853 and 2020, approximately 25 billion tonnes of coal were extracted from sites across the UK, leaving behind extensive subsurface voids as the majority of these mines have since ceased operation. Today, the UK hosts around 23,000 abandoned coal mines, all of which require ongoing management by the Mining Remediation Authority due to the cessation of dewatering activities. These vast underground void spaces represent a significant yet underexplored opportunity for large-scale thermal energy storage. Owing to the historical concentration of fossil-fuel industries during the Industrial Revolution, nearly 90% of the UK’s largest urban areas are situated above former mining zones, leading to a unique geographic overlap between locations of high heat demand and potential heat storage capacity. These same urban areas are also major sources of waste heat, suggesting strong potential for thermal energy storage. This PhD project proposes that abandoned coal mines can be fully repurposed as long-term thermal energy storage reservoirs, and aims to rigorously evaluate their technical feasibility. 

The specific objectives are to: (i) develop a robust conceptual and numerical model of heat storage processes in flooded mine environments using COMSOL Multiphysics; (ii) integrate the model with representative UK mine geometries and geological settings; and (iii) conduct scenario-based simulations to identify the controlling thermal–hydraulic processes and assess the practical feasibility of mine-based thermal energy storage systems. The project will be undertaken in full collaboration with TownRock Energy, who will support the research through co-supervision, hosting of the PhD student, and provision of relevant datasets, maps, and software tools. Informal queries from potential applicants can be directed to Dr Melis Sutman (melis.sutman@ed.ac.uk).

Essential Background: - 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology or any other closely related subjects. Desirable Background: - An MSc/MEng degree on shallow geothermal energy technologies or mine water geothermal energy - Familiarity with numerical modelling tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics or FEFLOW. - Understanding of heat and mass transfer processes in porous or fractured media.

Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.

Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere as well as self-funded students.

Competition (EPSRC) funding may be available for an exceptional candidate. Link below for the further details.

Further information and other funding options.