Plans to install air source heat pumps on the roof of the Energy Centre at the Royal United Hospital have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Air source heat pumps
Last year the hospital at Combe Park in Bath received a £21.6 million government grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to enable it to reduce carbon emissions over which it has direct control by 19% initially, and 25% by 2030.
The grant will be used to partially de-steam the site by replacing old and inefficient boiler heating systems with more sustainable and energy-efficient equipment.
This will improve the air quality around the hospital for patients and visitors, staff and the local community.
Veolia is working on behalf of the hospital trust to deliver a range of measures aimed at providing energy-efficiency and cost reductions across the site.
These include the air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and a water source heat pump; new pipe connections to distribute the lower temperature hot water; a new high voltage connection to supply the pumps and roof solar panels.
The current planning application specifically deals with the ASHPs, with the other measures expected to be covered under permitted development rights or further applications.
The redevelopment includes four ASHPs and the removal of a steam boiler. The Energy Centre currently has three boilers, and some steam will still be required for sterile services so the plans keep the remaining two boilers in operation.
The existing combined heat and power (CHP) system will be retained in the short term, with the intention to remove it later.
The ASHPs project includes noise mitigation measures.
The planning reference is 24/04758/FUL. The deadline for comments is 23rd January.
