Having designed and developed the scheme, Vital Energi will construct a new energy centre housing a 2MW heat pump system, comprising four air source heat pumps and two water source heat pumps, supported by two efficient low temperature hot water boilers.

A new air source heat pump will also be installed within the Pathology block, replacing the old and inefficient gas boiler.

The project includes de steaming the site-wide heating and domestic hot water systems to improve temperature control and eliminate heat losses, enhancing overall energy efficiency.

A range of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) will also be installed. These include cavity and pipework insulation, hydronic optimisation of secondary systems, EC fan upgrades, upgrades to the building management systems, and roof mounted solar PV. More than 500 light fittings across the site will be upgraded to LEDs, including 170 emergency lights.

The Trust’s collaboration with Vital Energi represents a significant step toward improving the efficiency and sustainability of the estate. The project will significantly reduce the Hospital’s energy bills, savings that can be reinvested into frontline patient care.

John Runniff, account development manager at Vital Energi, said: 'We’re proud to be working alongside the Trust on a project that will make a real difference to carbon reduction, energy efficiency and ultimately patient care. By integrating innovative heat pump technology, de steaming ageing infrastructure and delivering a comprehensive package of energy saving measures, we’re transforming the estate in a way that will deliver long term operational and environmental benefits.

'This investment represents a major step in the Trust’s decarbonisation journey, and we’re delighted to support them in delivering this scheme which reduces carbon emissions, cuts energy costs, and strengthens the resilience of healthcare services.'

The project is being delivered through the Carbon and Energy Fund (CEF) Framework, which has been specifically created to fund complex energy infrastructure upgrades for public sector organisations.

Mark Kay, project manager, at the CEF, said: 'Through the Carbon and Energy Fund framework, we developed the procurement route and provided programme management to support Tameside Hospital in moving from ambition to delivery. The project demonstrates how well planned investment can cut carbon emissions, modernise essential infrastructure and create more efficient, resilient healthcare environments, while ensuring value for money and continuity of patient services.'

This project has been made possible through grant funding from Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which prioritises reducing direct carbon emissions from public buildings by supporting projects that deliver the highest carbon savings.

The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance.

Alongside Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Vital Energi successfully guided eight clients through the Phase 4 application process, securing a total of £55.6 million for sustainable projects and contributing to the continued acceleration of the NHS Net Zero Strategy.