ENERGY IN HOSPITALS & HEALTHCARE


Hospitals use a lot of energy around the clock


every decision has knock-on effects, that kind of reliability matters.


Cleaner alternative As we know, hospitals must have a contingency plan for power outages. Traditionally, this has meant diesel generators. While dependable, they are far from ideal in today’s world. They are expensive to maintain, slow to ramp up and increasingly out of step with environmental goals. Diesel systems also rely on fuel supply chains that can be disrupted during emergencies, creating additional risk. Battery storage offers a smarter, cleaner alternative. It provides instant backup power without emissions - and it can be integrated directly with a hospital’s solar infrastructure. Instead of waiting for a generator to kick in, a hospital can seamlessly switch to stored renewable energy in the event of a power loss.


It’s not just about emergencies


Why smart hospitals need smarter energy storage


Many UK hospitals are already benefitting from the installation of solar panels, but battery storage solutions can help them to maximise the benefits of clean energy, providing a source of power back-up and the potential for extra income. Aaron Lally explains more.


Aaron Lally www.vest.energy


H


Managing partner at VEST Energy


ospitals are among the most complex and energy-intensive buildings in the country. They operate around the clock, rely


on uninterrupted power for patient care and face constant pressure to reduce costs while improving outcomes. Against this backdrop, managing energy isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a financial and operational necessity. Many hospitals have already


recognised the benefits of renewable energy and installed solar panels as part of their commitment to sustainability. It’s an important step that supports the NHS’s drive toward net zero. But in the current climate, with energy prices still volatile and demand growing, generation alone is not enough. To truly take control of energy use and costs, hospitals must turn their attention to storage. In recent years energy prices have


surged, driven by a combination of geopolitical instability, limited grid capacity and increasing demand.


EIBI | MAY 2025 Battery storage helps to unlock the savings available from solar energy


Hospitals have not been immune. In fact, due to their 24/7 operations and the critical nature of their services, they are among the most exposed to energy market fluctuations. At the same time, demand within hospitals is rising. As technology becomes more advanced, so too does the need for electricity. MRI machines, robotic surgical tools, IT systems, HVAC, sterilisation units and more all place a heavy load on the grid. During peak hours, this can lead to incredibly high bills, especially if no on-site generation or flexibility is in place. Solar installations help ease some of


this pressure, generating clean energy during daylight hours and offsetting


some of the need for grid supply. But without storage, much of that value is lost. Energy generated when demand is low can’t be saved for when it’s needed most, which means relying on expensive electricity during peak periods. Battery storage doesn’t just


complement solar, it completes it. Take a hospital with a 500kWp solar installation. Without storage, it might export 30 to 40% of its generation back to the grid. With storage, that energy can be retained and used on-site, making daily operations more efficient, backup power cleaner and faster and long-term energy planning more predictable. In a system where


either. Smart battery systems help hospitals manage day-to-day energy use more efficiently. By discharging during expensive peak periods and recharging when costs are low, they can smooth out usage and reduce exposure to market volatility. It’s no secret that financial pressure


across the NHS is growing. Every pound spent on energy is a pound that can’t be spent on staffing, equipment or patient care. With budgets already stretched, improving energy efficiency has become one of the most powerful tools for cost control. Battery storage helps unlock those savings.


Passive income Some hospitals are already participating in flexibility and grid support schemes, earning revenue for helping to stabilise the wider energy system. With the right infrastructure in place, these opportunities create passive income that can be reinvested directly into clinical operations. The NHS has set a clear target of


reaching net zero by 2040. But the most forward-thinking trusts aren’t just planning, they’re acting now. By using battery storage to support their clear energy strategies, they’re reducing emissions, improving energy security and ensuring they maximise the value of every kilowatt they produce. Hospitals will always face pressure,


from rising demand and constrained budgets to the essential need for uninterrupted care. Instead of energy being another burden or unpredictable variable to contend with, smart hospitals are taking control. They’re using the power of battery storage to shape their energy strategy, reduce risk and make their power work harder for them. ■


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