Local health board gets millions for energy projects

The installation of new solar panels, improved heating systems and LED lighting as well as upgrades to roof and pipework insulation is to take place at hospitals across Powys, thanks to £4.2m of Welsh Government funding.

The Welsh Government is supporting public sector bodies in Wales to make their buildings and assets more energy efficient. Their Re:FIT Cymru programme enables the Welsh public sector to secure guaranteed savings and reduce carbon impacts by accessing Energy Performance Contracts.

To support a move to a safer, healthier, decarbonised healthcare and work environment Powys Teaching Health Board has procured Vital Energi as a Service Provider via the Re:FIT Framework.

The grant will provide funding to undertake a range of measures across a number of sites to reduce energy consumption, including:

·      Installation of roof mounted solar panels

·      Upgrade of building management systems (BMS) to allow remote monitoring and increased control of localised heating controls

·      Upgrades of roof and pipework insulation

·      LED lighting

These improvements will also create improved environments for both patients and staff.

Following the completion of the works, the investment will provide PTHB with an estimated annual energy cost savings of £415,718 and will reduce the hospitals’ emissions by an estimated 350 tonnes of carbon each year.

Work will be undertaken across the following sites:

·      Breconshire War Memorial Hospital

·      Bronllys Hospital

·      Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital

·      Knighton Community Hospital

·      Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital

·      Llanwrtyd Wells Health Centre

·      Ty Illtyd Health Centre, Brecon

·      Victoria Memorial Hospital

·      Waterloo Road, Llandrindod

·      Welshpool Health Clinic

·      Ystradgynlais Community Hospital

·      Spa Road, Llandrindod

Works are due to begin in December and run until June 2025 and will be phased across the specified sites. More detailed information and engagement with relevant stakeholders on each site will be provided in the coming weeks.

“This significant investment from Welsh Government for the Re:FIT Cymru framework will act to enable energy efficiencies and deliver decarbonisation benefits across the Health Board estate in Powys,” explained Wayne Tannahill, Associate Director of Capital, Estates and Property with Powys Teaching Health Board.

“We look forward to working closely with Vital Energi in this exciting programme of activity, which will improve patient and staff environments, make an important contribution towards meeting the organisation’s Decarbonisation Strategic Action Plan objectives and make financial savings.”

Mark Williams, Partnerships Director at Vital Energi added: “The RE:FIT framework has proven to be a powerful tool for the Welsh Health Boards to meet their ambitious decarbonisation targets.

“By partnering with Powys Teaching Health Board, Vital Energi are implementing guaranteed energy conservation measures that not only deliver financial savings but also significantly reduce carbon emissions. Together, we're paving the way for a more sustainable healthcare system in Wales.”