GB Energy unveils £200m solar rollout for NHS and schools

Backed by £200m of funding, it’s claimed the programme will result in lifetime savings for schools and the NHS of up to £400m over around 30 years, savings that Labour claims will go directly back into frontline services.

The NHS is the single biggest energy user in the public sector, with an annual energy bill of around £1.4bn – a figure that has more than doubled since 2019. It’s estimated that the average NHS site could save £45,000 per year with solar and batteries, while a typical school could save up to £25,000. Only about 20 per cent of schools and less than 10 per cent of hospitals currently have solar panels installed. 

“Right now, money that should be spent on your children’s education or your family’s healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills,” said energy secretary Ed Miliband. 

“Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”

Local authorities and community energy groups will also be supported by nearly £12m to help build local clean energy projects. Ranging from onshore wind to solar and hydropower, it’s claimed these could generate profits which could then be reinvested into community projects or reduce bills. A further £9.3m will power schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including community energy or rooftop solar for public buildings.

“This is the first step in Great British Energy’s work with local communities to help them generate their own energy,” said Juergen Maier, chair of Great British Energy.  

“By partnering with the public sector as we scale up the company, this will help us make an immediate impact as we work to roll out clean, homegrown energy projects, crowd in investment and create job opportunities across the country.”

Alongside financial benefits, the government is also looking to tap into the skills potential of the solar rollout, particularly for schools. There are plans for further education colleges to partner with appointed solar contractors to promote careers in renewables through work placements, skills bootcamps and workshops.

“The installation of solar will not only benefit schools financially, but will support pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce,” said education secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

Nigel Pocklington, chief executive of Good Energy added: “Showing school students the kinds of careers possible in the energy transition is invaluable.

“Having installed solar on schools and public sector buildings across the country we know first hand the positive impact it can have on these organisations. Giving them energy independence, whilst helping them cut their costs and carbon, is vital for strained public services which are eager to take climate action.” 

A full list of the NHS sites included can be found here. Further details on the schools included will be set out later in the year following feasibility assessments.