Feasibility of Fifth-Generation district heating and cooling using mine water in Belgium: A Multi-Site Techno-Economic assessment

A multi-site techno-economic assessment reveals that fifth-generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) using mine water in Belgium's Walloon coal basins could supply approximately 1.69 TWh of thermal energy annually, with potential to reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional systems. This study integrates technical simulations, financial modeling, and cartographic analysis to evaluate the feasibility of pilot sites across Liège, Charleroi, and Mons. Site viability is strongly influenced by demand density, match between subsurface resources and demand, renovation levels, and governance models. However, subsurface data gaps, tariff structures, and fragmented responsibilities introduce significant uncertainty. The research formalizes design risks and provides sensitivity bands for key parameters, outlining customized 5GDHC–Geomine design rules tailored to Belgian contexts.

Koutra, S., Harcouët-Menou, V., Dupont, N., Kaufmann, O., Becue, V., & Attia, S. (2026). Feasibility of Fifth-Generation district heating and cooling using mine water in Belgium: A Multi-Site Techno-Economic assessment. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 86, 104853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2026.104853