UK Arrival of Hospital Energy Engine

Ninewells Hospital is set to get a new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engine. The CHP engine has recently been transported over 1,200 miles from Innsbruck, Austria to Tayside, UK. The 4.0 megawatt electrical (MWe) engine will be a big part of Vital Energi’s £15.4 million energy solution.

The project, which was procured through the Carbon and Energy Fund, will see Vital Energi deliver a state-of-the-art energy centre at Ninewells Hospital and a range of energy conservation measures, including 22,000 LED lighting upgrades to Perth Royal Infirmary, Stracathro Hospital and Ninewells.

The CHP engine is 12 metres by 2.9 metres, weighs 44 tonnes and will be housed in a custom designed acoustic enclosure which will significantly reduce noise. When complete, the renovated energy centre will provide 90% of the power and 100% of the heat. In excess of 35% of the heat is generated by the newly installed CHP providing resilient heat for Ninewells, which includes Tayside Children’s Hospital.

Ashley Malin, Project Development Director at Vital Energi, said: “What we see in NHS Tayside is a Health Board which is absolutely committed to lowering its carbon emissions and reducing its energy spend so that it can invest that money in front line clinical services, where it will do the most good.  Seeing the CHP arrive is always an exciting time and we were delighted that, after careful planning, the delivery and installation went smoothly.”

As part of the project Vital Energi will also be installing dual fuel boilers, building management systems, lighting and pipework insulation and the efficiency of the cooling systems will be also improved.

The project includes a 25-year Energy Performance Contract, provided by Vital Energi, which guarantees financial savings of £10.6 million and carbon reductions in excess of 287,650 tonnes during the course of the contract

Mark Anderson, Head of Property at NHS Tayside, said: “We are delighted to see the project progress with the arrival of the CHP engine at Ninewells Hospital. The full project is for 25-years and is designed to make our hospital sites more energy efficient and enhance the service and environment for the patients and staff of NHS Tayside.

“The project fits clearly with our strategic theme of delivering high quality care, in the right place through safer, effective, resilient and sustainable services.”

For more information on Vital Energi and the work they do, visit the website.