1333 Figure 1 – Scheme of the MINE-TO-H2 project The paper aims to contribute to post-mining areas revitalisation by presenting (i) the integrated technical concept (mine water → electrolysis → 500 bar distribution → mobility, with heat recovery to district heating and blending into the gas grid), (ii) an initial implementation status based on engineering and permitting progress, and (iii) a business-oriented discussion of replicability and enabling conditions in mineclosure settings in Poland. 2. POST-MINING ASSET VALORISATION AND CIRCULAR-ECONOMY LOGIC MINE-TO-H2 is designed around a circular-economy logic that treats mine-closure “problems” as inputs for new energy services (Krzemień et al., 2023). The project explicitly leverages the competitive advantages of underground and open-pit mining environments, proposing that mine water and reclaimed land can serve as resources for hydrogen and photovoltaic energy generation, respectively. Beyond H2 production, the project emphasises sector coupling as a pathway to maximising local value creation, as noted by Ramsebner et al. (2021). Two coupling routes are embedded in the design: (i) hybridisation with an existing geothermal district heating system through electrolyser heat recovery, and (ii) partial blending of hydrogen into existing natural gas infrastructure, enabling a gradual and modular transition with reduced need for new pipelines, following the synergies pointed out by Brown et al. (2018). The concept is complemented by supporting measures intended to strengthen regional capabilities and facilitate replication: benchmarking other coal mines, developing business cases, and training and re-skilling programmes for former miners and coal-region stakeholders. 3. CASE STUDY: MINE-TO-H2 DEMONSTRATOR AT POZO FONDÓN 3.1 Site and strategic location The demonstrator is located at the Pozo Fondón mine site in Sama (Langreo, Asturias, Spain), a central position where a high share of the regional population and industrial activity are concentrated within a radius of approximately 60 km. This site supports the intended mobility application and reduces distribution distances for early hydrogen uptake.
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