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HBS New Energies increases on-site solar for the Coal Authority by developing more than 1MWp of ground mounted solar arrays at three mine water treatment schemes. The solar electricity generated will help the organisation reduce its reliance on the grid and meet its aim to off-set the cost of managing mine water treatment.
Following the completion of ground mounted solar arrays at Chester South Moor, Deerplay and Old Meadow mine water treatment schemes. The Coal Authority awarded three further sites to HBS New Energies on the 4-year Renewable Energy Framework through a competitive tender.
Despite the challenging terrain, out of season programmes and tight build schedules. HBS completed the construction, installation and commissioning of the PV arrays to a high-quality standard.
The ground mounted solar arrays at Bates, Woolley Mine and Dawdon will now help to further increase on-site generation across the Coal Authority’s mine water treatment network. They will deliver valuable energy and carbon savings and monetise otherwise unused land holdings.
Project delivery
- Under the contract, HBS New Energies managed all stages of this multi-site project. From feasibility, design and supply, through to construction, electrical installation and commissioning.
- Following an in-depth feasibility study of each site, we conducted intrusive surveys which confirmed the geological makeup of the ground, the earth resistivity, underground service scanning and general layout. This helped to identify any potential issues that could arise during the construction stage.
- Our in-house design team produced full mechanical and electrical designs, adhering to the contract and required performance targets. Once the client reviewed and signed off the final designs, the procurement and construction process followed.
- Whilst the PV arrays at Woolley Mine and Bates were both piled. To overcome the dangers of piling near to existing underground services present at Dawdon including the HV supply cable. Our design team engineered a bespoke solution that included both pile-driven and ballasted ground mount PV arrays.
- Throughout the construction process our project team worked alongside Seven Trent Services (STS), who manage the mine water facilities for the client.
- Before energising each of the PV arrays, HBS’ site management liaised with STS and DNO to organise electrical shutdown to minimise disruption to the mine water treatment process. At completion, we provided a full demonstration of the PV system operations and produced a site-specific H&S file and O&M manual.
- The solar arrays, totalling 1.015MWp are set to generate over 968,100 kWh of zero carbon electricity per annum, helping to power the mine water treatment process. This equates to more than 400 tonnes of carbon emissions saved each year, reducing the Coal Authority’s carbon footprint.
- HBS has now completed ground mounted solar installations at six mine water treatment schemes for the Coal Authority. With a combined 1286 MWh in annual generation, the on-site solar plants will meet up to 13% of the energy consumption. This will enable the Coal Authority to further reduce its reliance on the grid and help power its operations with a reliable renewable energy source.
- The on-going Renewable Energy Framework demonstrates the crucial role solar power can play in helping energy intensive organisations like the Coal Authority achieve their sustainability goals and reduce operating costs.
Project summary
| Locations | Bates, Woolley Mine & Dawdon |
| Total scheme size | 1.01584 MWp |
| Total annual output | 1286 MWh |
| Total annual CO2 savings | 400 t |