Case study detail
PV's on Bronllys Hospital, March 2005
Switching on to the Sun at Bronllys Hospital
Contributed by:
Jenny Lampard
Organisation:
Mid Wales Energy Agency
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Bronllys is the first UK NHS hospital to generate electricity from sunlight. A 60.62 kW photovoltaic array, reducing the hospitals need for fossil fuels.
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Overview
In March 2005 Bronllys Hospital, Powys became the first UK national health hospital to generate electricity from sunlight. The 60.62 kW Photovoltaic (PV) installation developed by Dulas Ltd employed 14 people from the local region during its installation. The array will generate around 45,500 kWh / year. It is hoped that income from the electricity generated will be invested into further energy efficiency measures.
The project received funding from the European Regional Development Objective 2 Fund and the DTI’s Major Solar Demonstration Programme. It was co-ordinated by Mid Wales Energy Agency. The Carbon Trust also worked in the hospital to raise energy awareness.
Context
Bronllys Hospital is based in South Powys and run by Powys Local Health Board. The main services are based around 10 community hospitals with a range of diagnostic and rehabilitation facilities. The Board employs around 2,000 people mostly providing direct patient care. Sustainable energy is encouraged and welcomed in response to climate change and increasing recognition of the relationship between clean energy and good health and economy.
In the UK one of the main challenges to public sector capital investment is that the public- sector does not have disposable income or a high priority remit for sustainable energy. This means that until specific funds are made available there is no funding for much of the public sector to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Details of the project
The hospital initially received information from the Carbon Trust Wales to raise energy awareness and the installation of some energy efficient measures.
This was followed by implementation of renewable energy.
Bronllys is south facing (it was built to provide TB sufferers with the best aspect to speed their recovery) and so is ideal for PV’s. A survey by Dulas Ltd showed that the PV proposal was technically viable and funding was also available.
The project phases were:
1. Identifying and implementing energy efficiency
2. Raising awareness
3. Identifying options for renewables
4. Applying for funding
5. Developing an activity and payment schedules
6. Installing and commissioning the system
The project has involved significant public/private sector partnership working by the hospital, through Mid Wales Energy Agency, Dulas (the installers) and the two grant funders.
There are 4 factors which contributed to the projects success (no priority):
1. The enthusiasm and flexibility and patience of the Hospital / Local Health Board.
2. The availability of an independent Energy Agency (Mid Wales) to co-ordinate the
Project.
3. The availability of European ERDF funding and the UK’s Major PV Demonstration
Programme at the same time.
4. The good working relationship, patience and flexibility of the funders, the Health Board; and supporting bodies of MWEA and Dulas Ltd (consultants and installers).
The electricity generated from the PV’s goes onto the national grid so everyone potentially benefit from the generation of clean electricity, contributing towards reducing our dependency on fossil fuels.
Benefits and Lessons learned
To many to fit in this space!
Please see http://www.mwea.org.uk/projects.asp for more information
Key features
consumption
energy
health
Key data
Completion Date: 24/03/2005
Project Team: Mid Wales Energy Agency & Dulas Ltd
Cost: around £320,000
Local Authority: Powys
Client: Powys Local Health Board
Links
» MWEA - For information & support on all forms of energy effieincy and renewable energy in mid Wales
» Dulas Ltd, a leading renewable energy company with 20 years experience - based on a highly qualified and experienced multi-disciplinary team
» The Carbon Trust - supporting businesses and the public sector
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