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 project is part of Chesterfield Royal's wider work to become a greener and more financially sustainable NHS organisation, reducing its reliance on electricity bought from the national grid while investing in infrastructure to support healthcare for the future.
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: "This is a really significant investment in Chesterfield Royal and in the future of local healthcare.
"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.
"It's exactly the kind of long-term investment we want to make: Using national capital funding to help reduce the amount we need to spend on energy year after year."
Why a solar field?
The ground-mounted solar scheme was selected after the Trust considered alternative locations, including hospital roofs and car parks.
Assessments found that roof-mounted installations presented structural, operational and maintenance limitations, while car park canopies would affect parking availability and increase costs. The ground-mounted solution offered greater generation potential and a shorter payback period.
The Trust has also 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.
The proposals have evolved during their development, including a wider landscape buffer, additional hedgerow planting, a reduction in fencing height from 2.8m to 2m, and the removal of most proposed CCTV and lighting poles.
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."
The project is being developed with the Trust’s wholly-owned subsidiary DSFS and the Capital Programmes Team – together with IHP - Integrated Health Partnership, including all associated civil engineering and drainage works.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "These Great British Energy backed solar panels will help Chesterfield Royal Hospital save hundreds of thousands of pounds every year on bills – money that can be reinvested into providing vital services to its patients and the community.
“It forms part of our Great British Energy solar revolution that is expected to save NHS sites and schools up to £520 million in lifetime energy bills over the next 30 years, delivering on our pledge to put power in the hands of the British people and our public services.”