More than £700,000 is being invested in green energy projects for NHS buildings in Leicester and Leicestershire.
Great British Energy is providing the cash for roof mounted solar arrays as part of the drive to meet the country’s net zero targets.
These investments will reduce the NHS’s carbon emissions and reduce energy bills. The hospitals and units will still be connected to the national grid for the bulk of their electricity needs.
The solar panels will be installed at Coalville Community Hospital (£133,980), the Herschel Prins mental health unit on the Glenfield Hospital site (£117,297), at the Evington Centre and neighbouring Gwendolen House on the Leicester General site (£134,728 and £69,753 respectively), and at Preston Lodge in North Evington.
Ben Widdowson, director of estates at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “We are proud to be part of this important solar initiative alongside Great British Energy, which support our commitment to reducing our environmental impact while continuing to deliver high-quality healthcare.
“We welcome the £306,000 funding from GB Energy, which will be used to install solar panels at our new Preston Lodge site. This long-term investment will lower our carbon footprint, drastically cut our energy costs, and allow us to reinvest in sustainability and patient care.”
The Coalville, Herschel Prins, Evington Centre and Gwendolen House sites are all managed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT). Its associate director of estates and facilities, Richard Brown, said: “This is a welcome investment, and supports the Trust’s approach to sustainability.
“Renewable sources are a key part of the NHS goal to achieve net zero emissions.”
The latest funding is part of a £27m programme by Great British Energy.
Chris Gormley, chief sustainability officer for NHS England, said: “Thanks to this expanded funding through the Great British Energy collaboration, NHS solar generation is set to triple, driving significant cost savings and improving patient care.
“This investment will help more trusts slash their energy bills and reinvest those savings directly into frontline care – continuing to support our patients and communities while driving further progress towards a lower carbon, more sustainable health system.”
Earlier this year LPT delivered similar solar projects at Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital and at Loughborough Hospital.
The new projects should all be providing electricity by the end of March 2026.