UK Schools and Hospitals to Benefit from £200M Solar Investment
The UK government and Great British Energy have announced a £200 million investment to install solar panels on hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country. This initiative, aimed at cutting energy costs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, is the first major project for the newly established, state-owned energy company. Around £80 million will be allocated to schools in England, while £100 million will go to NHS sites, with installations expected to begin by summer 2025.
Government officials say the investment could save schools up to £25,000 and NHS sites up to £45,000 annually, with potential lifetime savings of £400 million over the next 30 years. The initiative also includes nearly £12 million to support local authorities and community energy projects, such as rooftop solar and onshore wind farms. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that "money that should be spent on education and healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills," and this project will help reinvest savings into frontline services.
This investment comes as energy costs have surged in recent years, putting pressure on public sector budgets. The NHS, which spends an estimated £1.4 billion annually on energy, has been hit particularly hard. By installing solar panels, the government hopes to not only cut costs but also promote sustainability and create job opportunities in the clean energy sector.
