Derriford Hospital in Plymouth is set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at reducing energy costs by installing solar panels. The project is part of Great British Energy's nationwide plan to install solar panels on NHS hospital roofs.

This project marks the first significant endeavor for the Labour Government’s publicly-owned energy company. Derriford Hospital will receive more than £500,000 to install the solar panels, which is expected to save the hospital between £1.6 and £2.1 million over the lifespan of the panels.

In addition to hospitals, schools across the country will also be part of this initiative, with the list of benefiting schools to be announced later this spring. The government has also pledged £12 million for local authorities and community energy groups to support the development of local clean energy projects, including wind turbines, rooftop solar panels, and hydropower.

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “This is fantastic news for Plymouth and for Derriford Hospital, and is yet another example of the Labour government investing in our NHS here in Plymouth.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, also praised the project, calling it a “common-sense decision” that would deliver cleaner and cheaper energy for public services, benefiting both Derriford Hospital and local schools. Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significant impact on local NHS and education providers.

Overall, the project is seen as a win-win for Plymouth, as it not only supports a greener, more sustainable future but also provides much-needed savings that can be reinvested into essential public services.