Scheduled for completion in spring 2026, the energy centre will replace the existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit with an energy-efficient 2MW cascade heat pump system to meet the hospital’s substantial heating demands.
Once operational, this state-of-the-art facility will supply more than 75% of Solihull Hospital’s heating requirements, reducing carbon emissions by 1,185 tonnes annually.
Centrica Business Solutions has been Solihull Hospital’s energy partner for 20 years, maintaining and upgrading energy assets across the estate. Following the completion of the new energy centre, the partnership is set to continue for up to another 18 years.
Scheduled for completion in spring 2026, the energy centre will replace the existing Combined Heat and Power unit
This latest initiative builds on a series of energy-saving solutions previously implemented at the hospital, including:
- Upgrades to the Building Management System to optimise performance and improve efficiency, featuring updated outstations, time scheduling, and set points.
- Installation of cavity wall insulation.
- Replacement of 2,500 lights with energy-efficient LEDs.
- Together with the new energy centre, these measures will reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint by 1,812 tonnes per year and generate annual cost savings of £62,000, based on the Trust’s current energy tariffs.
The project is funded through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, with Salix serving as the delivery body and development and procurement managed via the Carbon Energy Fund (CEF).
CEF supports NHS Trusts and public sector organisations in upgrading energy infrastructure and reducing emissions.
Operated by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Solihull Hospital is an acute general hospital offering a range of inpatient and outpatient services.
The project is funded through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
Phil Bryant, Head of Business Development at Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Hospitals are under increasing pressure to balance their intensive energy demands with cost and carbon savings across their estates.
“We’ve been a proud energy partner for Solihull Hospital for 20 years, working together to make the hospital more energy-efficient by providing and maintaining low-carbon solutions. The new energy centre marks the next step in the hospital’s decarbonisation journey, and we look forward to seeing the results.”
Centrica Business Solutions has been Solihull Hospital’s energy partner for 20 years
Martin Richardson, Executive Director at Solihull Hospital, added: “Our partnership with Centrica Business Solutions has helped us set a benchmark for sustainable healthcare. We’ve been able to maximise savings while making the hospital a more comfortable place for patients and staff.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Centrica Business Solutions in the years ahead, working towards our goal of achieving net zero in the near future.”