Spire invests £5.2m in solar energy project

Spire Healthcare has embarked on a £5.2m project to install 12,155 solar panels at its 38 hospitals across England, Wales and Scotland this year.

The project, one of the largest of its kind in the independent sector to date, is part of a ten-year decarbonisation plan. It is expected to generate 4.8 million kWh of electricity every year, contributing to the reduction of the hospital estate’s annual electricity consumption by 17%.

It is also forecast to reduce the hospital estate’s combined annual carbon footprint by approximately 968 tonnes, the equivalent of flying from London to Sydney almost 200 times.

The first installation will take place at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral, where more than 400 panels will be set up on the roof and in the hospital grounds. They are expected to generate 15% of the hospital’s annual electrical needs.

Spire, which was the first independent sector healthcare provider in the UK to commit to become carbon neutral by 2030, said investment in the technology would both reduce its energy costs and see it become a recognised leader in sustainability.

Spire Healthcare CFO and chair of the sustainability committee Jitesh Sodha said: ‘Environmental sustainability is a core component of our strategy and operations. With this investment we are reducing our carbon emissions and reducing our costs.

‘I am pleased to see the environmental commitments we have made being realised, and I congratulate my colleagues on their determination and drive to meet our goal of becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2030.’

The energy improvement works are being undertaken by eEnergy Group.