A pioneering North East business has become the first in the UK to harness heat from disused coal mines to aid its operations. Lanchester Wines, one of the UK's leading independent wine importers and merchants, operates over 355,000 square feet of warehousing space in Gateshead.
Historic Milestone for Mine Water Heat Technology
The company is celebrating a major milestone in the expansion of mine water heat technology across the region after making history as the first private investor in Britain to draw heat from abandoned underground coal mines. This move generates sufficient heat for its massive warehousing, pioneering the use of open loop water source heat pump technology.
The technology was made possible through a new mine water heat access agreement between Lanchester Wine Cellars Ltd and the Mining Remediation Authority. This innovative drive is the latest bold move by the group, which includes Greencroft Bottling, Spicers of Hythe, Lanchester Wines, Full Circle Brew Co, Lanchester Wine Cellars Ltd, The Wine Fusion, Bon Bon's, and Spicers of Hythe.
Sustainability at the Core
Founded by Tony and Veronica Cleary in 1980, the business has grown with strong sustainability credentials. As huge advocates of renewable energy, the firm led the development of a new self-powered bottling plant, believed to be the most sustainable large building on the planet. The mine water heat project represents the latest and most ambitious chapter in its journey.
The company's commitment to innovation, backed by around £13 million invested in renewable heat and energy generation across its sites, has been instrumental in proving that mine water heat can be a commercially viable and scalable clean energy solution. The new access agreement extends the scheme through to 2044 and was developed collaboratively with Lanchester Wines.
Bosses said Lanchester Wines has long placed sustainability at the heart of its operations. Powered almost entirely by renewable wind and solar energy, the business has consistently gone above and beyond legislative requirements to reduce its environmental impact.
Collaborative Framework for Clean Energy
Veronica Cleary, director of Lanchester Wine Cellars Ltd, said: "We are proud to have partnered closely with the Mining Remediation Authority to shape the UK's Heat Access Agreement, creating a clearer route for businesses to collaborate on geothermal projects. Lanchester Wines was an early commercial adopter of geothermal heat pump technology, and by working with the MRA, we have helped develop an approach that is both practical and forward-thinking, demonstrating how industry and Government can work together to unlock new sources of clean energy.
"By working collaboratively to simplify what was previously a complex and evolving process, we have helped establish a framework that balances Government priorities with commercial reality. The agreement introduces greater flexibility, including provisions for business transitions and operational changes, while removing unnecessary barriers to access.
"This joint effort not only streamlines delivery but also supports wider adoption of mine water geothermal energy, enabling more businesses to benefit from a sustainable geothermal heat source."
Potential for Wider Adoption
The Mining Remediation Authority said the agreement signals a broader ambition to grow commercial engagement with the UK's substantial mine water heat resource, with the potential to provide secure, low-carbon heating to homes, businesses and communities in former coalfield areas across the country.
Richard Bond, innovation and services director at the Mining Remediation Authority, added: "Lanchester Wines has been a true pioneer. As the first private business in Great Britain to harness heat from disused coal mines, it has not only demonstrated what is possible but has actively helped us build a better, more accessible framework for others to follow.
"The company's willingness to share knowledge, help shape processes and invest for the long term is exactly the kind of collaboration that drives real change. We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Lanchester Wines to 2044 and look forward to seeing its success inspire businesses across the country."
