Amanda Martin MP has welcomed the news that 10 schools and NHS sites across South East are to receive funding from Great British Energy to fit solar panels, saving thousands of pounds on their energy bills.
The programme – which marks the first major project for the Labour Government’s publicly-owned energy company – will mean schools across the local area will receive funding for solar panels alongside 29 NHS sites.
Estimates suggest that the average school could save up to £25,000 on their bills thanks to the scheme. It’s estimated that the investment in NHS solar panels will save local hospital sites across Portsmouth thousands of pounds on their energy bills over their lifetime.
As a result of the Conservatives’ failure to secure Britain’s energy independence, schools and hospitals have been hit with sky-high energy bills due to the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets. The NHS’ annual energy bill has doubled to £1.4bn a year since 2019.
In addition to this new project, the Government has announced that £12m will be put aside for local authorities and community energy groups to build local clean energy projects – including onshore wind turbines, rooftop solar panels and hydropower.
The first panels are expected to be delivered by the end of summer 2025.
Commenting, Amanda Martin MP said:
“This is another fantastic investment for Portsmouth that will see hospitals and schools saving thousands of pounds on their energy bills. Funding going directly to Portsmouth NHS Hospital trust will allow them to generate 718,620kWh of energy every year. That’s an estimated lifetime savings of £3.5million.”
“This is us showing Great British Energy’s core focus in action! It will drive clean energy deployment to create jobs, boost energy independence, and ensure British taxpayers, billpayers and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy.”
“Through Great British Energy, Labour is delivering on its Plan for Change by boosting our energy independence, investing in our public services and delivering lower bills for our communities.”
