Langdon Hospital in Dawlish has officially entered a new era of sustainability following the formal switch-on of a landmark 1-megawatt solar array. The project, which was celebrated on Thursday, October 1, marks a significant step forward in the Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s (DPT) efforts to decarbonize its estate and improve energy resilience.
The new ground-mounted solar installation, which occupies approximately 3.5 acres, is projected to meet 60% of the hospital’s total electrical demand. By shifting the site toward self-sufficiency, the trust anticipates annual savings of around £185,000—funds that are earmarked for reinvestment into patient care services.
The installation was made possible through a £3 million funding package awarded to DPT last year. This grant was part of a broader £180 million national clean energy initiative spearheaded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Great British Energy, aimed at accelerating the NHS’s transition to net zero.
Martin Wrigley, MP for Newton Abbot, attended the switch-on ceremony to mark the facility’s operational launch. “It’s been a pleasure to celebrate the opening of the new solar array at Langdon Hospital,” Wrigley said. “This 1-megawatt array will generate almost enough electricity to make the site largely self-sufficient. Not only will it reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint, it will also make the site more resilient. All in all, this is a great example of how investment in renewable energy can benefit both local services and the environment.”
The project’s design prioritized environmental impact from the ground up. According to Gabriel Wondrausch, founder and director of SunGift Solar, the company responsible for the installation, the project utilized low-carbon steel construction, which achieves a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional steel systems. Furthermore, the inclusion of a sophisticated battery storage solution allows the hospital to manage its energy usage more intelligently, reducing peak demand charges and maximizing the consumption of the renewable energy generated on-site.
Community engagement played a vital role in the project’s development. Throughout the planning phase, local residents were invited to review the proposals, ensuring transparency and addressing questions regarding the site’s impact on the local landscape.
Phill Mantay, Chief Executive of DPT, emphasized the dual benefit of the initiative. “This investment not only supports our commitment to sustainability but also ensures significant cost savings that can be redirected into enhancing patient care,” Mantay stated. “By embracing renewable energy, we are taking a crucial step towards a greener future for our organisation and the wider NHS community.”
The Langdon Hospital site is the centerpiece of a larger renewable energy push by the Trust. Beyond the ground array in Dawlish, DPT has installed six additional rooftop solar arrays across the region. These sites include Jasmine Lodge, The Junipers, The Cedars, and Franklyn Hospital, all located in Exeter, as well as the Chadwell Centre in Paignton and St John’s Court in Exmouth.
As the NHS continues to work toward its goal of becoming the world’s first net-zero health service, the successful integration of renewable infrastructure at Langdon Hospital serves as a scalable model for other healthcare facilities across the country. By lowering operational costs and reducing dependency on the national grid, the Trust is proving that environmental responsibility and fiscal prudence are mutually achievable goals within the public sector.
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