Energy Centre
On-Site Energy Generation
Within our on-site Energy Centres at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool, we have three steam boilers and one gas-fired generator which generates electricity, heating and hot water. Obtaining our power, heat and steam from this source is efficient and cost effective, and requires ongoing, proactive maintenance.
Supporting Heating and Sterile Services
Our steam boilers can be used as a top-up for the main heating and hot water systems if need be, for example during cold weather periods, but are critical to the safe and effective operation of our Central Sterile Services Departments (CSSD) on both the North Tees and Hartlepool sites. This requires a good quality steam supply in order to deliver its broad range of decontamination services, and ensure that sterile equipment is always available in order for patient operations to go ahead to schedule.
Compressed Air and Emergency Backup
Our Energy Centres also supply compressed air for a wide range of uses including in CSSD and dental procedures, and house diesel generators which are used as a back-up in the event that there is a mains electricity power supply failure. This would kick-in to ensure continuity of service and no disruption to the delivery of safe and efficient patient care.
Decarbonisation for a Greener Future
Our Hartlepool Energy Centre is currently undergoing a Government-funded decarbonisation programme in order to support the national NHS target of net-zero by 2045. This will see gas-fired heating systems replaced with new, green energy systems in the form of ground source heat pumps.