Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled what it describes as a first-of-its-kind energy partnership designed to accelerate the modernisation and decarbonisation of its hospital estate without requiring upfront NHS capital investment.
The Trust has appointed global infrastructure investor Meridiam as its strategic energy partner under a new Energy as a Service delivery model, with support from delivery partner Dalkia UK Energy Services.
Under the agreement, Meridiam will design, finance and deliver upgrades to the Trust’s energy infrastructure while identifying future projects to improve energy resilience, reduce consumption and cut carbon emissions.
The Trust will purchase energy generated through the upgraded assets at an agreed cost, which they say will help mitigate any future energy price shocks.
“By not allocating the Trust's capital to this project and leveraging private sector investment, our funds can be prioritised for capital expenditure in clinical services,” said Andrew Asbury, Executive Director of Estates, Facilities and Capital Development at Guy’s and St Thomas’.
Asbury said there are environmental as well as economic benefits too, as it will contribute to improved local air quality and a reduced carbon footprint across the estate.
What is the first scheme under the partnership?
The first scheme will replace ageing infrastructure at St Thomas’ Hospital with a new low-carbon heating and energy system.
Future projects are expected to include improvements to building energy efficiency, upgrades to energy networks across the estate and the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with lower-carbon alternatives.
The model aims to reduce exposure to future energy price volatility and rising maintenance costs associated with ageing plant.
The Trust said the partnership has been designed as a scalable model that could be adopted by other NHS organisations and public bodies seeking to accelerate infrastructure renewal and decarbonisation programmes.
