Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Great British Energy: Public Sector Renewable Energy Use

Tuesday 14 October 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed issues related to renewable energy use in public sector buildings.
  • GB Energy is supporting schools, hospitals, and NHS sites with clean energy initiatives.
  • Solar panels will be installed in schools and hospitals, expected to reduce energy costs and benefit frontline services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Katrina Murray Lab Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
Climate Environment
Context

Tryst leisure centre built in 1973 faces challenges retrofitting renewable technologies due to costs.

Question

Many leisure centres, such as the Tryst in Cumbernauld, which was built and opened in 1973, are desperate to decarbonise but face huge costs and practical challenge of retrofitting renewable technologies into older buildings. Will my right hon Friend set out how Great British Energy will support vital community facilities like this in making the switch to clean energy and reducing their bills?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)

My hon Friend speaks very well about these issues. GB Energy is already taking advantage of the huge potential of clean energy, and hundreds of schools, hospitals and NHS sites across the country are already benefiting. The statement of strategic priorities made it clear that GBE will work collaboratively and in partnership with Scottish public bodies and the Scottish Government to increase investment in the local community energy sector in Scotland. Organisations such as my hon Friend’s leisure centre sound like ideal candidates.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific support mechanisms or funding for older buildings

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Q2 Jacob Collier Lab Burton and Uttoxeter
NHS Energy
Context

Queen's hospital in Burton will receive solar panels, saving the trust money.

Question

Thanks to Great British Energy and this Government, Queen’s hospital in Burton will get solar panels which will save the trust money that can be ploughed directly into the frontline and spent on patients. Does the Secretary of State agree there is significant opportunity to expand that programme to other public buildings and is he exploring that with his Department?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)

My hon Friend is right, and I hope that the massive expansion to schools and hospitals that we have already ensured in 15 months is welcomed across the House.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm exploration of expanding solar panel installation programmes

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Q3 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
NHS Education Energy
Context

Publicly owned Great British Energy will roll out solar panels to more schools and hospitals.

Question

I for one welcome the announcement that the publicly owned Great British Energy will roll out solar panels to more schools and hospitals in the coming year. What benefits will that bring to our communities, and what can places such as Luton South and South Bedfordshire do to take advantage of the clean power transition?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)

This is really important. Public institutions face significantly high energy bills because of the legacy of the last Government. GBE with its programme is cutting those bills. That is a transfer of resources from energy bills to frontline public services. The hon Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine should visit some of the teachers and NHS staff who think that this is a brilliant programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific benefits or actions local areas can take

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