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Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Wales’ capital lies a unique opportunity that could potentially revolutionize the way homes are heated. Groundbreaking research has unveiled the presence of thermal pollution caused by the activity in Cardiff, resulting in underground water reaching a temperature of approximately 12 degrees. This discovery stems from the 234 boreholes initially drilled by the council in the 1990s to monitor groundwater levels during the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage. The British Geological Survey has since utilized this data to measure the water temperature, offering significant implications for the city’s 124,000 residences, as well as properties nationwide.
Engineering geologist Ashley Patton expressed her sense of possessing insider knowledge as she navigates Cardiff streets with the awareness of concealed boreholes. The British Geological Survey’s extensive work in Cardiff, deemed the most extensive urban groundwater survey globally, has brought attention to the potential of geothermal energy lurking beneath the city’s surface. Ground source heat pumps emerge as a viable solution to harness this geothermal energy and potentially provide heating to the entire city. These pumps offer a renewable energy alternative utilizing the Earth’s natural heat to warm homes and businesses, a step towards meeting sustainability goals.
One outstanding exemplar of sustainable urban planning is the Parc Eirin development in Rhondda Cynon Taf, showcasing a pioneering approach to fund the infrastructure required for ground source heating. Residents connect to an existing system through a standing charge financed upfront by investors, presenting an innovative model to navigate the commercial viability challenges posed by such schemes in Wales. Craig Williams, a police constable residing in a ground source heat pump-equipped home within Parc Eirin, advocates for its widespread adoption after experiencing cost savings and efficiency. The potential for geothermal energy to transform heating systems and lead Wales into a green revolution aligns with the Welsh government’s heat strategy ambition to decarbonize heating systems by 2050, emphasizing electrification and ground source heat pumps as integral components in the journey towards sustainability
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