Solar farm success powered by savings in energy and cost
Morriston Hospital’s solar farm has marked its third anniversary by generating a third of its power and breaking the £3million barrier in savings.
The facility, based in nearby Brynwhilach Farm, went live in October 2021 as the solar farm became the first of its kind in the UK to directly power a hospital.
It has proved a huge success in that time, having saved £3.1million in electricity bills by generating its own power and selling excess power back to the grid.
PICTURED: The solar farm near Morriston Hospital has proved a big success since being switched on in October 2021.
Since April this year, it has saved around £732,000.
The solar farm has developed significantly since being switched on, with a new battery and extension going live in April 2024.
The battery stores excess solar power generated on the brightest days for use after the sun sets.
The extension has improved the generation of power to 5 megawatts, with 2,000 extra panels taking the amount to 12,000 in total.
These have combined to help generate a third of Morriston Hospital’s power.
Des Keighan, Assistant Director of Estates, said: “Swansea Bay University Health Board recognises, as do the public, the impact the climate has on both the health of the planet, as well as the individual.
"The NHS have the opportunity to be a major force in creating a more sustainable future. Clean air equals healthy lives and as a healthcare provider we have a duty to protect health as well as treat illnesses.
"We plan to continue to build our reputation for leading the way in sustainable performance, and our solar farm is a prime example of that.
"It has ensured a long-term renewable energy solution by displacing the need for most of our energy from off-site generation using fossil fuels. The electricity generated is used for heating, power, transport and at peak times feeding in to the grid for use in our community.
PICTURED: The battery ensures excess energy is stored and used when needed.
"It has been really exciting and satisfying seeing the success of the solar farm progress each year since it was switched on."
The solar farm initially cost £5.7m, with the extension costing £3.6m – repayable over 11 years - which has been funded by an invest to save grant from Welsh Government's Wales Funding Programme.
Beverley Radford, Compliance Manager, has been leading on the development of the solar farm project.
She said: “This has been a very successful project and we proud that Morriston was the first hospital in the UK to have its own dedicated direct-wired solar farm.
“The primary focus is always our patients. The solar farm enables the health board to continue to deliver its patient services in a sustainable way, and with stability for our energy costs we can ensure that funds are invested into patient care and not energy bills.”
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