Solar farm plans to power New Cross Hospital

The former Bowman's Harbour unused landfill site is currently subject to anti-social behaviour and fly tipping, but could be used to deliver green electricity, Wolverhampton Council has said.

The council is working with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to assist them in meeting their carbon reduction commitments by providing them with electricity from the solar array.

The new development will turn the south-facing wasteland into a productive solar farm, supplying 6.9MWp of life-saving energy directly to New Cross Hospital.

The tree line around the site will not be affected and will remain to improve security and maintain greenery.

During the council’s recent climate change consultation, 82 per cent of residents said they would welcome solar farms in Wolverhampton.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment at Wolverhampton Council, said: “This is fantastic news for our city.

“Since declaring our Climate Emergency last July, the council committed to support its partners towards making Wolverhampton zero carbon.

“I’m pleased to see the council supporting the local hospital in achieving its ambitions to reduce carbon emissions in the city.

“The new development will certainly have a positive impact in making Wolverhampton a greener city.”

David Loughton, chief executive at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “As the largest employer in Wolverhampton, we take sustainability very seriously and are committed to continually working to reduce our carbon footprint.

“We have taken a number of steps to reduce and better manage our energy consumption and operate in a sustainable manner.

“One of these steps is to look at using renewable energy so we are very pleased to announce this partnership.”