Dozens of NHS trusts across England are estimated to save up to £65 million in energy bills in total following the rollout of solar panels across their sites.
Under the expanded government scheme, Great British Energy will install solar panels for 34 NHS trusts at around 70 more sites, which include hospitals and mental health facilities.
The NHS is the single biggest public sector energy user, with an estimated annual energy bill of around £1.34 billion, which has almost doubled since 2019.
Earlier this month, the government confirmed total funding for the solar scheme had increased to up to £255 million – the expanded scheme will now receive a share of up to £30 million.
The scheme – which will see around 260 NHS sites benefitting and covers more than a third of NHS trusts in England – is estimated to see total lifetime energy bill savings for the NHS of up to £325 million.
The average NHS site is estimated to save around £35,000 a year in energy bills.
Chris Gormley, Chief Sustainability Officer, NHS England said: ”Thanks to this expanded funding through the Great British Energy collaboration, NHS solar generation is set to triple, driving significant cost savings and improving patient care.
“This investment will help more trusts slash their energy bills and reinvest those savings directly into frontline care – continuing to support our patients and communities while driving further progress towards a lower carbon, more sustainable health system.”
The rollout of the solar panels marks progress in Great British Energy and the government’s Local Power Plan that will ensure the benefits of the government’s clean power mission are felt at a local level, with energy security, good jobs and economic growth – while also helping to rebuild the nation’s public services.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks added: ”Great British Energy is helping your local hospital save money on its bills, to be reinvested into the frontline, from nurses to medical equipment.
“Across the country, solar panels are going up on rooftops or carpark canopies, to power operating theatres with clean, homegrown power.
“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, protecting our public services with lower bills and energy security.”
NHS trusts to save £65m through solar rollout with Great British Energy appeared first on Energy Live News.