Great British Energy expands solar scheme to military sites

3 October 2025

Military bases will join schools and NHS facilities in benefiting from an expansion of Great British Energy’s solar programme. 

The latest phase will see an additional £75m invested in solar panels and other renewable technologies, bringing the total value of the scheme to £255m. Around 15 military sites, 250 schools and more than 270 NHS facilities are expected to take part.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the initiative would help reduce energy bills for public services, with savings redirected into healthcare, education and defence. Under a new partnership with the Ministry of Defence, solar panels and micro-wind turbines will be installed on military sites, including remote training grounds and equipment stations, where running costs are typically higher.

Hospitals included in the expansion range from large teaching centres to community and mental health facilities.

The additional funding builds on a £180m investment announced in March, which has already supported schools and hospitals across England in cutting their energy costs.