The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced a package of £100 million from Great British Energy for the NHS.
The funding is for NHS Trusts to install solar power and battery storage solutions to help drive down energy bills, offering better value for the taxpayer.
As part of this funding, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded £1.13m to install solar panels at the Northern General Hospital, Jessop Wing Hospital, and three community properties.
The Trust’s plans include the installation of 1,500 solar panels across these sites, including Wheata Place, Firth Park, and Manor Clinic.
This investment in renewable energy is expected to reduce energy costs, enabling savings to be reinvested into frontline care services.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced a package of £100 million from Great British Energy for the NHS
These solar panel installations are projected to save around £8.6 million annually, with an estimated £260 million in savings across the NHS over the panels' lifetime.
Work is set to begin in April 2026, with completion expected by March 2027, and is forecast to save Sheffield Teaching Hospitals £153,000 each year.
Chief Strategy Officer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Mark Tuckett, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding, which reinforces our commitment to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and the aspiration to become a net zero, sustainable health service.
“The investment is also welcome news for the wider region as it will provide significant opportunities for our local supply chain to support the local economy and develop new skills within the workforce in our communities which in turn supports improved health and well-being. Decarbonising the energy we use will also be a key focus in our forthcoming Sustainability Plan.”
These solar panel installations are projected to save around £8.6 million annually
Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England, Chris Gormley said: “Thanks to the dedication of teams nationwide, the NHS has already implemented hundreds of projects that enhance energy efficiency and drive significant cost savings.
“This groundbreaking new investment, across 78 NHS Trusts on around 200 sites, will expand solar power generation within the NHS by over 300%, slashing energy costs by hundreds of millions of pounds. These vital savings can be reinvested directly into frontline care, ensuring the NHS continues to deliver for our patients and communities.”