A £1m solar energy scheme has been completed at the Cowdenbeath liquid waste facility in Fife, Scotland, which is linked to the Levenmouth Waste Water Treatment Works.
The project involved the installation of over 1,700 ground-mounted solar panels at the site, which manages commercial liquid waste before transfer for treatment and disposal.
The new array is projected to generate 0.53 of green electricity annually. Of this, 60% will be used on-site, fulfilling 29% of the facility’s total energy requirements and helping to reduce operating costs.
The remaining 40% will be exported to the national grid. The system is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by approximately 109 tonnes per year, contributing to Scottish Water’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
The initiative is directly linked to reducing the carbon footprint associated with handling commercial waste at the site. Murdo MacAulay, project manager at Scottish Water Horizons, explained the dual focus:
“This site handles large volumes of liquid waste which we store and release safely to ensure full environmental compliance. It is great to see this solar scheme in operation at the site now, generating green energy and reducing the carbon associated with managing commercial and run-off waste.
“Another important driver for these projects is reducing Scottish Water’s operating costs.”
The solar system, expected to deliver cost savings for over 30 years, is designed to “provide resilience against the volatility of grid electricity prices,” as noted in the project information.
MacAulay added that the company will “continue to deliver solar schemes at Scottish Water sites across the country as we focus on achieving our net zero target by 2040, which we are currently on track to achieve.”
Enhancing biodiversity on-site
Beyond energy generation, the project incorporates significant environmental measures. Derek Ross, operator at the facility, highlighted the operational and ecological benefits:
“This scheme will allow 60% of the energy generated by the solar scheme to be used on site. In addition to the solar scheme, several biodiversity measures will be implemented on-site, including tree planting, log piles, seeding of wildflower meadows, and new hedging to enhance habitats and support local wildlife.
“Offsetting our carbon footprint is not just about using renewable energy technology but also about giving back to and protecting the natural environment at our sites.”
Renewables specialists Absolute Solar and Wind delivered the project.
[Image caption: Aerial view of new solar array at Cowdenbeath Liquid Waste Reception Facility. Image credit: Scottish Water Horizons]
