The UK Government has unveiled the first project from Great British Energy: a large-scale initiative to install rooftop solar panels on 200 schools and 200 hospitals across the country. This article explores the details of the announcement, its expected benefits, and the alignment with Chamber UK’s previous calls for targeted clean energy investment in public services.
In a landmark move that will reshape how schools and hospitals manage their energy needs, the UK Government has announced the first major initiative under Great British Energy – a £200 million programme to roll out rooftop solar panels across 200 schools and 200 NHS sites. The announcement marks a significant step towards cutting energy costs, reducing emissions, and reinvesting savings into frontline services.
The project, which will be delivered in partnership with local authorities, community energy groups, and devolved governments, is part of the broader “Plan for Change” to modernise public services and enhance the UK’s energy independence. It comes as the Government seeks to reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and deliver on its commitment to clean energy and economic growth.
A Win for Schools, Hospitals, and Communities
Under the plans, approximately £80 million will support schools in England, while £100 million is earmarked for NHS sites. Estimates suggest schools could save up to £25,000 annually, with NHS trusts potentially saving up to £45,000 per site. These savings are projected to amount to up to £400 million over 30 years, offering an opportunity to reinvest in education, healthcare, and community-based services.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasised the practical benefits of the initiative, stating:
“Right now, money that should be spent on your children’s education or your family’s healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills. Great British Energy will provide power for pupils and patients.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added that the investment would support teachers while helping to develop green skills in students – preparing a future workforce for careers in renewable energy.
But Acting Shadow Energy Secretary, Andrew Bowie said the Government’s Net Zero plans would make the country “poorer”.
Responding to Call for Action
This move reflects the very priorities raised at the Chamber UK 2024 Solar for Schools Parliamentary Showcase. That event brought together parliamentarians, sector leaders, and campaigners to highlight the urgent need for investment in clean energy infrastructure across public services.
At the event, speakers called for targeted government investment to make solar power accessible to more public buildings, with a focus on disadvantaged communities. The showcase made a compelling case for the economic, environmental, and educational value of solar energy – arguments now visibly reflected in government policy.
This recent announcement echoes those calls, with government plans to target solar installations in areas of high deprivation across regions including the North East, West Midlands, and North West. Each regional cluster will also include a further education college, which will collaborate with contractors to promote green careers through placements and workshops.
Community Energy Gets a Boost
In addition to schools and hospitals, the initiative will inject nearly £12 million into community-led energy schemes across England – from onshore wind and hydropower to rooftop solar. An extra £9.3 million will support similar projects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Charles Wood of Energy UK welcomed the announcement, highlighting its potential to transform local energy systems: “Cutting energy bills not only means more funding for these essential public services but also shows how the shift to clean energy can directly benefit local communities.”
The move was also lauded by education leaders, including Paul Whiteman of the NAHT, who noted that many schools had long aspired to invest in renewable energy but lacked the funds to do so.
Solar as a Gateway to Sustainability
Beyond immediate savings, the solar rollout is expected to catalyse wider sustainability efforts. Experts highlighted the importance of embedding behaviour change alongside infrastructure improvements. Campaigns such as Let’s Go Zero, backed by Ashden, have shown how school-led solar projects can inspire students and staff to adopt climate-friendly practices.
Dr Richard Smith of the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change said: “Great British Energy putting solar panels on hospitals and schools is win-win-win because it will cut carbon and costs, put the savings back into the NHS and education, and make the NHS and schools less dependent on the waywardness of the energy market.”
Meanwhile, case studies from existing solar projects – such as Hull University Teaching Hospital’s 11,000-panel installation, saving £250,000 per month – demonstrate the immense financial potential of such upgrades.
Final Thought: Building Momentum for Local Power
The Government’s £200 million investment marks the beginning of a larger push under the Local Power Plan, supported by £8.3 billion in funding over this Parliament. Great British Energy, a publicly-owned entity, aims to scale up local clean energy and attract private investment for long-term decarbonisation.
Juergen Maier, Chair of Great British Energy, called the programme “the first step in working with local communities to help them generate their own energy.” He pledged close collaboration with public sector partners to expand the scheme and support the growth of green jobs across the country.
As the UK looks to secure its energy future, this initiative stands as a timely and welcome response to the calls for public sector decarbonisation. For policy institute Curia, and members of their Housing, Transport, and Infrastructure Research Group, and Clean Energy and Environment Research Groups, it is a powerful sign that sector-wide collaboration can deliver lasting impact – powering schools, hospitals, and communities for generations to come.
To find out more about Curia’s Housing, Transport, and Infrastructure Research Group, and Clean Energy and Environment Research Groups, contact Partnerships Director, Ben McDermott: ben.mcdermott@chamberuk.com.