Published: 18 Nov 2022, 14:32
Hull University Teaching Hospitals has pledged to reach net zero a decade earlier than the rest of the NHS. Image: NHS.
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has installed a solar PV array on the south-facing roof of Hull’s Health House, which is set to generate more than 300MWh of renewable energy, saving the NHS £60,000 in electricity costs.
The array has a warrantied operational lifespan of 20 years and includes 41 monocrystalline solar panels, a monitoring platform and a high-performance inverter. NHSPS has also installed a live generation data display from a solar array at the clinic’s reception, which is aimed at helping to “increase awareness and visibility around energy consumption.”
“The project from inception to completion worked smoothly and the collaboration between all like-minded parties worked well towards successful completion. The scheme has helped us progress on our ‘green journey’ in today’s building and in years to come It also provides a specification for other buildings across the country to follow” said Elaine Hall, manager of minor works at NHSPS.
In response to the project, NHSPS has identified a further 45 NHSPS sites that would benefit from the installation of solar systems.
Hull University Teaching Hospitals has pledged to reach net zero by 2030 – a decade earlier than the rest of the NHS.
Projects within this transition so far include the £4.5 million “Field of Dreams” comprising 11,000 solar panels which, according to the trust, have already generated enough energy to meet the daytime running needs of Castle Hill Hospital .
Elsewhere, other trusts are also working to decarbonise the wider NHS. Veolia UK & Ireland has recently been awarded a £27 million energy management contract, which includes the installation of a 1.1MWp solar system at Eastbourne Hospital for example.
