NHS hospitals across the North East and Yorkshire region are harnessing the power of the sun to meet their energy needs and reduce their carbon footprint. Thanks to the installation of solar panel systems funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, some hospitals are now generating enough electricity to cover their daytime running requirements during the summer months.

As part of the NHS’s ambitious plan to achieve carbon net-zero emissions, these solar installations are paying significant dividends. Some hospitals have become self-sufficient during the summer months when solar generation peaks. Since May 2022, solar panels at Hull’s Castle Hill Hospital have generated around 26MWh per day, with the output expected to reach up to 50 MWh per day at the height of summer. This remarkable feat not only aligns with the trust’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 but also translates into substantial cost savings of £250,000 to £300,000 per month during the summer.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has made a notable stride towards its net-zero targets by installing a solar photovoltaic canopy over the car park at its Wharfedale Hospital site. This project will provide sustainable solar power to the hospital, reducing its reliance on conventional energy sources and lowering the Trust’s carbon footprint. The 617 solar panels are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 43.7 tonnes per year and save the Trust £75,000 annually.

In Northumbria, solar panels have been installed on the roof of North Tyneside General Hospital as part of a comprehensive decarbonisation project that also included the installation of large-scale heat pumps and the replacement of the steam system that provides heating for the hospital. The trust has also upgraded its infrastructure with new, more energy-efficient transformers.

 Neil Cartwright, Regional Net-Zero Manager, said: “These solar installations are not only helping us reduce our carbon footprint but also demonstrating the economic benefits of embracing renewable energy sources.

“We are proud of the progress made so far and will continue to explore innovative solutions to achieve our net-zero targets while providing high-quality healthcare services.”

As part of the NHS’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the North East and Yorkshire region is placing a strong focus on sustainability throughout the month of September. The Greener NHS programme aims to reduce the NHS’s environmental impact by improving energy efficiency, minimising waste, and investing in renewable energy sources like solar power.

Over the past three and a half years, the NHS has made significant strides toward its net-zero goals, working with hospitals and partners to drive innovation, reduce costs, and improve healthcare environments. Solar installations are a key component of these efforts, furthering the NHS’s mission to create a greener, healthier future for all.