House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Great British Energy Solar on schools and hospitals
24 March 2025 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Proposed by Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK government invests 200 million in a partnership with Great British Energy to install solar panels on schools and NHS sites in England.
- Funding of 80 million will support around 200 schools, potentially saving up to 140 million over 30 years.
- For the NHS, 100 million is allocated to almost 200 sites, expected to save up to 260 million annually.
Issue summary
The statement discusses a £200 million investment partnership between Great British Energy (GBE) and the UK government to install rooftop solar panels on schools and NHS sites in England.
Action requested
The announcement includes funding of £80 million for around 200 schools, potentially saving up to £140 million over 30 years. For the NHS, £100 million will support nearly 200 sites, with savings of up to £260 million annually. Additional funds are allocated for projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and local authorities and community energy groups receive funding for clean energy projects.
Key facts
- Total investment: £200 million.
- Funding for schools in England: £80 million.
- Number of schools to benefit from solar panels: around 200.
- Potential lifetime savings for schools: up to £140 million over 30 years.
- NHS funding: £100 million for nearly 200 sites.
- Annual energy bill for the NHS in England: estimated at £1.4 billion.
- Estimated savings for the NHS per year: up to £260 million.
- Funding for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: £9.3 million.
- Community Energy Fund grant funding: £5 million.
- Local Net Zero Hubs funding in England: £6.8 million.
- Strategic mayoral authorities share of funds: £10 million.
- Expected installation completion by end of summer 2025.