CARBON REDUCTION AND ENERGY GENERATION
Ahead of its time: the rise of the all-electric hospital
Schneider Electric has recently published a ‘white paper’, The Rise of the All-Electric Hospital, based on piece of research conducted by its global solutions team, which analyses the impact of electrifying a large acute hospital, and some of the key considerations. While the analysis itself is theoretical, it was applied to an actual hospital in Australia, as the company’s Global Segment director for Healthcare, David Evans, explains.
This article introduces the concept of an all-electric hospital, highlighting the pivotal role of electrification and digitisation in revolutionising healthcare infrastructure, with an emphasis on the challenges and opportunities associated with replacing traditional energy sources with electric alternatives. Electrification and digitisation play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by reducing emissions, optimising energy usage, and promoting environmentally friendly practices. However, there are challenges to overcome, such as initial capital investment, regulatory compliance, and the reliability of newer technologies. Implementing an all-electric hospital requires careful planning, including conducting energy audits, researching suitable electric alternatives, analysing the grid energy mix, and redefining asset management strategies. The transition to all-electric hospitals can significantly impact power demand, requiring the redesign of electrical infrastructure, the installation of EV chargers and solar PV generation, and the replacement of back-up diesel generators with greener alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cells. While there are challenges to address, designing all-electric hospitals is certainly feasible given the coordination of multiple stakeholders and a commitment to sustainable practices.
A key decarbonisation factor Electrification of healthcare facilities is now recognised as a key decarbonisation vector. By integrating electrification with digitalisation, healthcare facilities can manage complex electrical solutions efficiently, creating a sustainable and self-sufficient environment. Transitioning to an all-electric estate is complex, and presents several challenges. It requires careful planning, including energy audits, research on suitable electric alternatives, analysis of the grid energy mix, and redefined asset management strategies. Common challenges include capital investment, regulatory compliance, facility lifecycle and asset management, adoption and reliability of new technologies, and energy supply management. To advance their infrastructure through electrification and digitalisation, NHS Trusts are looking to partner with experienced technology providers like us who are already guiding clients through this transformation. We recommend focusing on three critical areas to accelerate progress: n Replacing infrastructure dependent on fossil fuels with electric alternatives to effectively shift direct, Scope 1 emissions into indirect, Scope 2 emissions.
n Implementing effective metering and monitoring January 2025 Health Estate Journal 59
technologies to optimise energy usage and reduce consumption.
n Integrating renewable energy into the power mix to further decarbonise supply and transform healthcare providers from power consumers to prosumers by introducing microgrid solutions.
Our analysis reveals that this all-electric design requires 2 to 2.25 times more electrical power capacity than the original design, highlighting the need for robust planning and an innovative approach to healthcare facility infrastructure.
Grid capacity challenges The limitations of the national grid’s ability to meet increased demand pose challenges, but also opportunities for growth in local renewable energy generation and decentralised electricity methods. Future electrical supply scenarios will shift from a
linear, one-directional supply, to a bi-directional model. In a one-directional system, energy flows from power generation to the consumer. In a bi-directional system, energy can flow into an organisation and back onto the grid. We envision a future with distributed power and a bi-directional system, where local renewable generation is managed through microgrid arrangements, supplementing traditional methods. Our ETAP digital twin technology assists in future planning, using digital solutions to provide accurate scenario planning for potential changes. For example, if a new wing is added to an existing hospital, data can predict its impact on patient flow and electrical demand.
Schneider Electric says: “Imagine a hospital where every aspect of its operations, from lighting to life-saving equipment, is powered by clean, renewable energy. This is the vision for the all- electric hospital.”
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