Hundreds of schools and hospitals across the UK are set to benefit from a £180 million investment in solar panels, thanks to the government’s new publicly owned energy company,
Great British Energy.
Announced on Friday, this marks the company’s first major project and is part of the government's wider plan to cut carbon emissions and tackle the climate crisis. The initiative has been welcomed by school leaders and NHS representatives, who say it could also help ease the burden of rising energy costs.
“Right now, money meant for children’s education and family healthcare is being lost to soaring energy bills,” said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. “This investment will help key public institutions save hundreds of millions and redirect that money to where it’s needed most.”
The project aims to install solar panels at 200 schools and 200 hospitals. While this covers less than 1% of the UK’s schools, campaigners say it’s a promising start.
Alex Green, who leads Let’s Go Zero—a national effort to reduce schools’ carbon footprints—called the move a “big step,” especially given today’s tough economic climate. “Yes, 200 schools is a small portion, but achieving that in one year is real progress,” she said.
This initiative builds on the existing Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which has already delivered close to £3 billion in funding for green upgrades since it launched under the previous Conservative government.
Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), welcomed the news. He noted that while many schools want solar panels to cut energy costs, the upfront expense has been a major barrier. “This announcement is a step in the right direction and could help schools better manage the financial strain of energy bills.”
Despite the praise, critics remain. Acting Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie argued that the government’s net zero ambitions could backfire. “Labour’s obsession with net zero will make us poorer,” he said, warning against reducing North Sea oil and gas operations, which he claims risks national energy security.
However, many energy experts disagree. Jess Ralston from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit pointed out that renewables like solar reduce dependency on gas imports. “This is an investment in energy security,” she said. “The less gas we need from people like Putin, the better.”
The first installations are expected to be completed by the end of summer, with priority given to areas most in need. Photo by SayCheeeeeese, Wikimedia commons.