La mise en œuvre d’énergies renouvelables dans les infrastructures critiques, telles que les hôpitaux, est une tendance croissante qui répond à la fois au besoin de durabilité et à l’optimisation des coûts d’exploitation. Le secteur des soins de santé a besoin de solutions énergétiques efficaces pour garantir l’approvisionnement en électricité en toutes circonstances, minimiser la dépendance vis-à-vis du réseau et renforcer sa résilience.

Dans cet article, nous explorons et présentons le cas d’un hôpital de 30 000 m² qui a opté pour une installation photovoltaïque de 200 kWc. Nous analysons les résultats obtenus en termes d’efficacité énergétique, de réduction de l’empreinte environnementale et d’économies. Nous montrons également comment l’hôpital prévoit de couvrir 20 % de sa consommation totale par l’énergie solaire, en amortissant l’investissement en 3 ans.

Introducción 

With a constant energy consumption 24 hours a day, the healthcare centre in the study, a hospital, required solutions that would allow them to improve efficiency without compromising the quality of service.

This Efficiency Case Study shows the results of the installation of a 200 kWp solar plant to reduce dependence on the grid and ensure a more sustainable and cost-effective energy supply: 

System Characteristics

Photovoltaic Plant

• Installed power: 200 kWp.
• Type of panels: High efficiency monocrystalline silicon.
• Generation capacity: Estimated annual production of 300 MWh.

Sustainability and Emission Reduction Points to Consider

• Emission reduction thanks to the project: Approximately 120 tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually.

• Self-consumption achieved: 20% of the hospital’s energy demand covered by solar energy.

The hospital, which operates 8,760 hours/year, relies on high energy consumption to ensure the operation of medical equipment, air conditioning and essential services.

The integration of a 200 kWp photovoltaic plant enables an estimated annual generation of 300 MWh, which significantly reduces dependence on the conventional electricity grid and CO2 emissions.

It is estimated that this installation avoids the emission of approximately 120 tonnes of CO2 per year, thus contributing to the decarbonisation and energy transition objectives of the healthcare sector, especially in the public sector.

The photovoltaic production has been simulated considering the location in Valencia, a province with optimal conditions for this type of project, which maximises the efficiency of the system and guarantees the best performance of the installation.

 

Economic Savings and Operational Efficiency

• Estimated savings: €30,000 per year, considering an electricity price of €100/MWh.

• Payback period: 3 years, after which the hospital gets practically free energy.

• Maintenance: Minimal costs due to the durability of the solar panels.

From an economic point of view, the installation of this photovoltaic plant generates considerable savings on the hospital’s electricity bill. It is estimated that 20% of the hospital’s total consumption is covered by solar energy, which means a direct reduction in operating costs. With an energy cost of € 100/MWh, the annual production of 300 MWh represents an annual saving of approximately € 30,000. In addition, thanks to the durability and low maintenance costs of the solar panels, the initial investment is amortised over a period of approximately 3 years, after which the hospital enjoys complementary and its own energy virtually free of charge.

 

Energy Resilience and Additional Benefits

• Increased energy security: The photovoltaic plant, combined with storage systems, can sustainably and safely maintain the operation of the installation in case of grid failures.

• Fulfilment of climate targets: Contribution to decarbonisation and reduction of carbon footprint in the healthcare sector.

 

Beyond savings and sustainability, this installation provides the hospital with greater energy resilience. In the event of grid failures, photovoltaic generation, combined with storage systems, allows critical areas such as operating theatres and intensive care units to remain operational. In addition, the hospital’s image is strengthened by adopting an environmentally committed approach, which can attract incentives and recognition in environmental certification programmes.

 

Conclusion 

This case demonstrates how solar energy in hospitals is not only technologically feasible, but also highly desirable. The combination of cost savings, sustainability and resilience makes photovoltaics a strategic solution for the healthcare sector.

With the constant evolution of these technologies and advances in storage systems, the integration of renewable energies in critical infrastructures will undoubtedly continue to grow, and a more efficient and sustainable model for energy solutions in the future of the healthcare sector is expected to become the norm.