A MULTI-MILLION pound energy upgrade plan has been approved at a major North Yorkshire hospital.
A 1MW heat pump system will be installed at Scarborough Hospital as part of a major energy transformation that aims to reduce the site’s carbon footprint by nearly 1,200 tonnes annually.
The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with Vital Energi on an £8.7 million project that will reduce the site’s reliance on fossil fuels by providing low-carbon heating and cooling into the hospital.
“The heat-pump system will facilitate the transition from fossil-fuel-based heat generation to a low-carbon solution, contributing to reduced natural-gas consumption and supporting the Trust’s strategic decarbonisation commitments,” according to submitted plans.
The scheme, which includes two air source heat pumps and a water source heat pump as well as buffer vessels and distribution pumps, was given the green light by North Yorkshire Council last week.
Scarborough Hospital Heat Pump Elevations. Vital Energi.
John Runniff, account development director at Vital Energi, said: “We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with York Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on a project that will have a major impact on Scarborough General Hospital’s carbon footprint and energy resilience.
“Having worked closely with the Trust for over 12 years, we’re looking forward to this next phase, bringing together our technical expertise and shared commitment to sustainability.
“By introducing modern low-carbon technologies and targeted energy-saving measures, we’re helping the Trust take a significant step towards a more sustainable future while ensuring the site remains reliable for patients, staff, and visitors.”
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Council planners said that given the operational nature of the hospital site and the presence of existing service infrastructure and buildings, the development would not be out of keeping with its surroundings.
They added that the proposal would not adversely affect the character or appearance of the site or surrounding area.
Officers said that the development would “deliver improvements to an important healthcare facility”.
The existing steam boilers in the hospital’s energy centre will be replaced with new high‑efficiency low-temperature hot water (LTHW) boilers, and the aged steam infrastructure across the hospital estate will be replaced with a modern LTHW system, enabling the full de‑steaming of the heating and hot water systems across the site.
In February, the installation of 1,085 solar panels across the Scarborough Hospital estate was approved, which is set to generate more than 80 tonnes of annual carbon savings.
The heat pump development was approved by North Yorkshire Council, subject to conditions.