West of England coalmines to be mapped for renewable energy potential

Miners in Kilmersdon colliery in Somerset in 1962. Photograph: Coal Authority

When Bryn Hawkins worked in coalmines through the 1960s and early 1970s he says few understood the impact the burning of fossil fuels would have on the planet.

Now, public officials are hoping disused mines that provided millions of tonnes of fossil fuels could be used as a potential source of renewable energy across the country.