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Chinese Coal City Repurposes Abandoned Mines for Cooling Homes

other · 2026-08-04

A pioneering low-carbon technique in a Chinese coal city has found a new application for abandoned mines: cooling homes. The method, which routes water from accumulated rainfall and groundwater in disused mines to residential areas, was previously used in the area to heat homes during winter. This innovative approach leverages existing infrastructure to provide sustainable climate control, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. The technique highlights the potential for repurposing industrial sites to address modern environmental challenges, offering a model for other regions with similar mining legacies.

Key facts

  • A Chinese coal city is using abandoned mines for cooling homes.
  • The technique routes water from accumulated rainfall and groundwater in abandoned mines to residential areas.
  • The method is described as pioneering and low-carbon.
  • Previously, the same technique was used to heat homes during winter.
  • The approach repurposes existing mining infrastructure for sustainable climate control.
  • The technique reduces reliance on traditional energy sources.
  • The city is in China, but the specific name is not provided in the source.
  • The source is Sixth Tone, a Chinese news outlet.

Entities

Institutions

  • Sixth Tone

Locations

  • China

Sources