More than £6m investment to help power a greener Chesterfield Royal Hospital

A major new solar energy scheme at Chesterfield Royal Hospital is set to help generate more of the hospital's own electricity, cut carbon emissions and potentially reduce energy costs by around £600,000 every year.

The scheme will see around 5,788 solar panels installed at the hospital, supported by a £6.065 million grant, with approximately 2.7MW of active generating capacity.

Current modelling indicates that the development could provide around a quarter of the hospital's electricity demand and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 750 tonnes each year.

Planning permission, with conditions, and permission to connect the scheme to the electricity grid have now been secured. Installation is expected to begin in early 2027 and take around three months, subject to the remaining technical and delivery requirements.

The Trust's electricity bill was around £2.5 million in 2025/26, meaning the ability to generate more electricity on site has the potential to deliver a significant financial as well as environmental benefit.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It's about much more than installing solar panels. It's about powering healthcare differently, generating more of the electricity we need here at the hospital, reducing our environmental impact and lowering the amount we need to spend buying energy from the grid.

"At a time when we are working hard to make the best possible use of every NHS pound, that's really important. A greener and more financially sustainable hospital is good news for our patients, our community and the future of local healthcare."

The Trust's current working assumption is that the scheme could generate around 3.5GWh, or 3.5 million kWh, of renewable electricity each year, although this remains subject to technical validation.

Steve Heppinstall, Chief Finance Officer at the Trust, said: "This project represents a major step forward in making Chesterfield Royal greener and more sustainable.

"By generating more renewable energy here on our own site, we can reduce our reliance on the grid and significantly reduce our carbon footprint, while potentially reducing our recurrent energy costs by around £600,000 each year.”

The ground-mounted solar scheme was selected after the Trust considered alternative locations, including hospital roofs and car parks.

The Trust acknowledged concerns raised by neighbouring residents through the planning process, including the location of the development, landscape and visual impact, drainage, wildlife, security infrastructure and construction.

Dr Hal Spencer added: "We understand that a development of this scale matters to our neighbours as well as to the hospital, and we recognise the questions that have been raised.

"We'll continue to listen, communicate openly and explain the steps being taken to minimise the impact of the development as it progresses.

"Ultimately, this is about investing in a more sustainable Chesterfield Royal for the communities we serve, both now and for generations to come."