mines are a source of geothermal energy, and could also be used for cooling and storing inter-seasonally waste or renewable energy. As mines become flooded they have the potential to meet all of the heating needs of the coalfield communities which account for 25% of UK population. In the case of a district heating network, this energy can be transferred to a pipe network using a heat exchanger, and then distributed to nearby homes. Abandoned coal mines present an opportunity to the UK as a source of geothermal energy, and this is being explored by the Coal Authority, which is working in partnerships with local authorities and other companies to fulfil this potential. Consultancy services The Coal Authority provides consultancy services on: Geothermal energy from abandoned coal mines Geothermal energy from abandoned coal mines is a low carbon, sustainable heat source which under the right conditions can compete with public supply gas prices. Coal mining risk assessments When submitting a planning application within a high risk area, it is likely a Coal Mining Risk Assessment will need to be submitted. Mine water treatment schemes It provides expert advice and assistance to help developers understand and investigate the risks of past mining. Tip inspection and management It has expertise in the long term management of the risks associated with tips and delivering inspection programmes to mitigate these risks. Water level monitoring The Coal Authority has significant experience gained in monitoring an extensive mine water treatment scheme portfolio Engineering design It has a team experienced in engineering design, with many years of providing the critical information required to complete complex civil engineering projects. Borehole drilling advice The complex nature of mine workings can cause operational issues when drilling boreholes, which requires specialist knowledge to be carried out accurately. Mining hydrogeology It has a team of hydrogeologists with a wide range of experience in all types of hydrogeology, specialising in complex mining hydrogeology. See also Coal mining in the United Kingdom Sources References External links Coal Industry Act 1994 Coal mining in the United Kingdom Coal organizations Department of Energy and Climate Change Mansfield Non-departmental public bodies of the United Kingdom government Organisations based in Nottinghamshire Organizations established in 1994 1994 establishments in the United Kingdom