Veolia, working with 3ti solar car park specialists, has begun renewable electricity generation at Eastbourne District General Hospital (EDGH).
By installing a new solar car park (SCP) the hospital is the first in the UK to take this significant step, which will produce 1,000 MWh of solar-generated electricity annually, and lower CO2 emissions by 222 tonnes in the first year.
The solar array comprises over 2,412 panels across eight canopies that cover 400 car parking spaces.
As a high energy user, the hospital will make significant savings by generating its own renewable electricity on site, and reduce the hospital’s reliance on electricity from the
National Grid.
The SCP also addresses the need for workplace electric vehicle (EV) charging by providing 10 solar-powered EV charge points for staff use.
By covering the car parking areas, the solar canopies also provide shelter from the elements and give enhanced security in the form of overhead lighting.
The project is part of the £27m energy management contract with Veolia to upgrade Eastbourne District General Hospital and deliver wide-ranging energy upgrades and target carbon savings of 4,129 tonnes a year.
The solar panels will produce 1,000 MWh of energy every year, reducing the hospital's reliance on the National Grid
With funding provided through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for affordable, low-carbon energy efficiency upgrades across the public sector, the scheme is one of the first to take a whole building approach that accounts for how facilities and the energy delivery systems interact with each other, while maintaining an indoor environment that enhances patient care.
Chris Hodgson, director of estates and facilities at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “The completion of the new solar array is another significant step on our journey to net zero.
“The solar farm, alongside other improvements including new insulation and heat pumps, will lead to a significant reduction in the use of energy across the site which will be a key part of our work to provide sustainable healthcare.”
John Abraham, chief operating officer for Veolia UK and Ireland, added: "Achieving the NHS net zero targets, and maintaining the essential patient care facilities, requires a holistic building approach.
“By using the areas above the car park this latest project is an excellent example of how we can transform the space above ground level to deliver renewable energy.
“This further contributes to the NHS decarbonisation programme by reducing emissions, builds energy security for the hospital, and improves energy cost savings.”
