First net zero hospital in Scotland to use 2MW solar farm

New University Hospital Monklands, set to be Scotland’s first net zero hospital, will utilise 4.5 hectares of ground-mounted solar PV to provide up to 2MW to the site in Airdrie, the project developers have announced.

The hospital, part of the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP), will also use air source- and water source heat pumps, along with roof-mounted solar panels and two electricity substations, as part of a fully-electric energy strategy alongside.

MRP Director Graeme Reid said:

Given the project’s commitment to sustainability, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to use solar PV. Some solar power will come from panels on part of the hospital’s roof but most of will be generated by the solar farm at the eastern edge of the site. The farm will have approximately 6,350 solar panels, arranged in south-facing clusters, each with around 50 panels, inclined at the best angle for year-round solar energy generation.”

The Scottish Government is now considering approval of the MRP’s Full Business Case. Approval would give the green light to the start of hospital construction, with a targeted opening in 2031.