The Health Service Executive (HSE) is pleased to announce an exciting new project as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation, aligning with the Government's Climate Action Plan 2024.
In collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which is providing 50% funding for this project, a ground-mounted solar array is set to be installed at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar, Co.Donegal. This solar array is part of a larger Solar PV initiative being rolled out across five Community Hospitals in Donegal, all classified as Significant Energy Users (SEUs). The Roadmap targets these facilities to achieve significant energy and carbon emissions savings.
The solar array at St. Joseph’s is expected to generate approximately 50,000 kWh of renewable energy annually. This will result in significant savings each year, while simultaneously avoiding over 20 tonnes of carbon emissions. The array is anticipated to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2025.
This initiative falls under the HSE Capital and Estates Infrastructure Decarbonisation Roadmap, focusing on establishing a Regional Energy Bureau, Energy Management Teams, and the Shallow Retrofit Programme.
In addition to St. Joseph’s Hospital Stranorlar, similar 52 kW roof-mounted solar PV arrays are being installed at the following Community Hospitals
- Carndonagh Community Hospital
- Donegal Town Community Hospital
- Dungloe Community Hospital
- Killybegs Community Hospital
The majority of work at these sites is nearing completion and is currently awaiting approval from the ESB for activation.
Kevin Gunn, Estates Manager for Donegal said, "With the installation of a ground-mounted solar array at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, and with the installation of roof-mounted solar PV arrays at four other Community Hospitals, we are taking a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints across the healthcare sector in Donegal, paving the way for a more sustainable future for our communities."
Click https://youtu.be/LqBCWLZK5oE to view ariel footage of the Solar Farm at Carndonagh Community Hospital
Last updated on: 31 / 10 / 2024
