Alistair Strathern MP has celebrated the Government securing what he describes as "significant investment" in solar energy for Lister Hospital to help cut bills and free up funding for treating patients. 

The Lister is to benefit from over £2.1m of additional funding from Great British Energy, for East and North Herts NHS to invest in Hospital solar projects, saving millions off energy bills for Herts NHS over the coming years. 

The programme – which marks the first major project for the Labour Government's publicly-owned energy company - will mean 10 schools across the East of England will receive funding for solar panels alongside 14 NHS sites.

Estimates suggest that the average school could save up to £25,000 on their bills thanks to the scheme.

Schools and hospitals have been hit with sky-high energy bills for years due to the UK's dependency on fossil fuel markets, creating a significant drain on their budgets. The NHS' annual energy bill has doubled to an eye-watering £1.4bn a year since 2019.

In addition to this new project, the Government has announced that £12m will be put aside for local authorities and community energy groups to build local clean energy projects – including onshore wind turbines, rooftop solar panels and hydropower.

The first panels are expected to be delivered by the end of summer 2025.

Commenting, Alistair Strathern MP said: "This is a fantastic investment for Lister Hospital to embrace clean, renewable energy produced here at home".

"I am thrilled to see the Lister secured as one of 24 sites schools and hospitals regionally, and 400 across England, chosen for solar upgrades".

"This scheme shows the power of green investment to boost energy security and reduce NHS and school energy bills, freeing up crucial funding for treating patients and supporting pupils."