Mines, Wildlife, and Solar:
Behind the Panels at Cowdenbeath

We spoke to Project Manager Amanda Hutcheson about what it really takes to get a solar scheme off the ground. From navigating mine shafts to protecting nesting birds here’s what she had to say…

When people see solar panels gleaming in the sun, it’s easy to think it’s as simple as laying them out and plugging them in. But behind every successful solar installation is a journey – one that begins long before the first panel is even delivered.

At Cowdenbeath Liquid Reception Facility, we’re nearing completion of a scheme that will see over 1,700 solar panels installed. The system will generate 0.5GWh of electricity every year, enough to power a third of the site. It will also save around 109 tonnes of carbon emissions annually – roughly the same as 222 return flights from Edinburgh to Paris!

But before any of that can happen, there’s a huge amount of behind-the-scenes legwork, and that’s where I come in. It’s about far more than just tracking progress against the programme, budget, and actions.

For me, the development phase is all about making sure everything is lined up and nothing gets missed. At Cowdenbeath, that meant pulling together site drawings, historical records, utility maps, and information from previous projects to build a clear picture of the site, both above and below ground.

From Colliery History to Solar Panels

The site’s mining history was a major focus. The site is adjacent to, and above, the former Cowdenbeath colliery which was active from the late 19^th century until 1954. Even though the ground had been stabilised during a previous project, we still needed to identify old shafts and voids. As a result, we adjusted the panel layout and slightly reduced the overall scheme size to make sure safety came first.

Next came on-the-ground assessments with contractors, sub-contractors, and other stakeholders to verify what we’d found in the desk-based reports. We used Ground Penetrating Radar and dug trial holes to map underground pipes and cables and to check soil conditions. It’s not the most glamorous part of the job, but it’s essential when you’re installing hundreds of ground-mounted panels.

Protecting biodiversity was another key priority. We carried out environmental surveys to assess local species and habitats. In one case we even had to pause work in an area until oyster catcher chicks had safely left the nest. We also made improvements to support local wildlife by planting more trees than we removed, creating log piles, seeding wildflower meadows, and adding a hedge to form a natural corridor for insects and animals.

While surveys were underway, I was also busy securing the various permissions including planning approval, coal authority consent, and SEPA assessments to manage any risks during temporary power shut-downs. These permissions are often complex, especially on a live operational site, and careful co-ordination was key to avoiding disruption.

As the design took shape, we worked with contractors, site operations, environmental teams, Scottish Power, and many others. The layout needed to be flexible to avoid flood zones and treated mine shafts. Thankfully, the final scheme strikes a balance between safety, generation capacity, and sustainability.

Now, with the panels in place, our Cowdenbeath facility will soon be producing a large share of its own electricity. It’s another step toward our 2040 net zero ambition, and a reminder of just how much planning goes into getting green energy schemes up and running.

As project managers, we’re often the link between the idea and boots-on-the-ground delivery. For me, projects like this aren’t just about panels and kilowatts. They’re about treading lightly, planning carefully, and helping our infrastructure evolve with the environment in mind. Treading lightly doesn’t mean that we walk slowly. It’s important that we deliver these projects at pace and avoid any unnecessary delays since ultimately, they are about reacting to the climate emergency and reducing our operating costs.

It’s been a real team effort, shaped by the knowledge, and dedication of everyone involved. I can’t wait to see the panels fully operational and making a real difference to the site. The site has transitioned from an industrial fossil fuel past to a renewable energy powered future.