Devon hospital gets £1.2m award for green projects

BBC A close-up of solar panels on a sunny dayBBC
Some of the funding will go towards the installation of solar power at Derriford Hospital

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has been awarded £1.2m towards energy efficiency projects and renewable energy.

The trust said the government grants would help to fund solar power and a battery system at Derriford Hospital and the installation of 2,200 LED lights across its properties.

UHP estimates the projects at Derriford will reduce energy consumption equivalent to the power used by 435 households each year.

Plymouth is one of 78 trusts to be awarded funding.

The award is part of a package of £100m from Great British Energy for the NHS to install solar power and battery storage solutions in a bid to help drive down energy bills.

Sarah Brampton, deputy chief executive and chief finance officer at UHP, said: "When you consider heating, lighting, all of the specialist equipment, theatres, and 10,000 staff, it goes without saying that the energy consumption and costs across our estates are significant.

"These successful grant applications for green energy will help our ambition as part of our green plan to increase onsite renewable sources, including installing solar and LED lighting across the estate by 2032."

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