The first-of-its-kind energy partnership addresses the critical need to upgrade ageing infrastructure, tackle rising energy costs, and reduce carbon emissions across the NHS estate.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ has created a new delivery model to harness private investment to accelerate the modernisation of its energy infrastructure. The partnership will require no upfront investment from the NHS.
Under the agreement, Meridiam will design, finance, and deliver upgrades to energy systems, and help to identify, develop, and deliver projects that improve the reliability of energy supply, lower energy consumption, and reduce carbon emissions. Meridiam will take over the energy generation assets and the Trust will buy energy from Meridiam at an agreed cost.
The first project under the partnership will deliver a new, more efficient low-carbon heating and energy system at St Thomas’ Hospital, replacing outdated infrastructure. It will also involve Meridiam’s delivery partner, Dalkia Energy Services.
Future projects will include improving building energy efficiency, modernising energy networks within the hospital estate and replacing fossil-fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives.
Andrew Asbury, executive director of estates, facilities and capital development at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Upgrading our energy infrastructure significantly enhances our resilience and ability to deliver critical healthcare services, reducing the likelihood of unplanned outages that impact patient care. Modern systems are also more energy and resource efficient, leading to long-term savings in utility spend and ongoing operational costs.
“By not allocating the Trust’s capital to this project and leveraging private sector investment, our funds can be prioritised for capital expenditure in clinical services.
“There are environmental as well as economic benefits too. Improved local air quality and a reduced carbon footprint contribute to healthier communities in the areas we serve.”
Thierry Déau, founder and chief executive officer of Meridiam said: “We are proud to support Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in delivering concrete and innovative healthcare infrastructure projects. Together, we aim to develop scalable solutions that contribute to the decarbonisation of hospitals, improve operational performance and deliver long-term benefits for patients, staff and the wider community.”
Delphine Gilbert, managing director at Dalkia Energy Services, said: “This partnership shows how major NHS estates can decarbonise critical infrastructure while protecting capital for patient care. St Thomas’ Hospital is a complex live healthcare environment, where resilience, safety and continuity are essential.”