The Energy Service provided Swansea Bay University Health Board with development and feasibility support for the UK’s first hospital-owned solar farm.
Summary
Swansea Bay University Health Board is home to the UK’s first hospital-owned solar farm. The 4 MW installation, located near Morriston Hospital, went live in October 2021 and was designed to supply around 20% of the hospital’s annual electricity needs.
Our support
Strategic guidance on solar farm development, feasibility support, and technical input to maximise energy generation and financial returns.
Technology solution
- 4 MW solar farm with 10,000 ground-mounted solar panels.
- Designed to offset hospital electricity demand and reduce reliance on grid power.
- Surplus electricity exported to the grid, generating additional income.
Investment
- Funded and delivered by Swansea Bay University Health Board with support from the Energy Service.
Impact
- 1,000 tCO₂e saved annually.
- £500,000 in annual cost savings.
- 30,000 kWh surplus generated in the first four months, sold back to the grid.
- Supports NHS Wales’ sustainability goals and demonstrates leadership in public sector decarbonisation.
Morriston Hospital is expected to get 20% of its energy from the solar farm. Through the summer months it will provide a large proportion of the electricity required, but even in the winter months we’ve already achieved 55 hours where we haven’t required any electricity from the National Grid.
Des Keighan, Assistant Director of Estates, Swansea Bay University Health Board.
