Reaching net zero

The NHS set a world-leading commitment to reach net zero for carbon emissions by 2045. It will be difficult to deliver on this ambition without first achieving a step change in the NHS’s electricity supply chain.

An indirect wire, Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract for offsite renewable energy delivered via the National Grid. Increasingly common in the private sector, the NHS is yet to adopt them. PPAs can cut carbon emissions on a large scale, provide cost stability by avoiding energy price fluctuations and boost the UK’s green energy economy.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is a national leader in delivering against its sustainability plans, yet faces high electricity costs due to significant, and increasing, consumption. Electricity contributes around 50% of the Trust’s direct carbon emissions and UCLH has a goal to achieve carbon net zero by 2031.