Innovation in action: Advancing geothermal energy at the Queen's Medical Centre

A major milestone in our 15 year energy efficiency partnership with the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham. Our ambitious project is revolutionising the hospital’s energy systems helping set a new standard for sustainability in healthcare. By using cutting edge renewable geothermal heating and cooling technology we will not only significantly reduce its carbon footprint but make the hospital a more comfortable place for patients and staff.

Two of the four high-efficiency heat pumps, each an engineering marvel measuring an impressive six metres wide, three metres high, and weighing a massive 33 tonnes have now arrived on-site. These heat pumps will be at the heart of our £15 million state-of-the-art energy centre that promises to deliver sustainable, low-carbon energy across the hospital.

The heat pumps will not only extract warmth from the air but also tap into the natural heat of the Earth through a newly completed geothermal system. To make this possible, we’ve already completed the mammoth task of drilling 64 boreholes up to 250 metres underground. And what’s more, this hidden geothermal network has been installed and now concealed from sight, and the land above is being returned to action as car parking space for visitors and staff.

This innovative heat pump and borehole solution will reduce the carbon emissions associated with QMC's heating and cooling systems by more than 40%, while also contributing to cleaner air by lowering nitrogen oxide emissions.

The system will link to the hospital's buildings through an expanding 3km pipe network which will carry the heating and cooling across the site, spreading from the energy centre, along the hospital roof and into the hospital wings via large thermal substations.

This innovation isn't just about energy; it’s about enhancing the comfort of patients, visitors, and staff, particularly with the associated works to replace 12,000 single-glazed windows, which will boost energy efficiency and comfort throughout the hospital’s 38-acre campus by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Once fully operational, this transformative system is expected to cut QMC's CO₂ emissions by around 10,000 tonnes a year, supporting the hospital’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions for its heating and cooling systems by 2040.

This project shows how sustainable energy solutions can drive environmental progress and financial efficiency while directly benefiting the people who rely on these vital services.

We’re proud of our work with NHS trusts to improve patient outcomes and enhance community wellbeing and our QMC project is a shining example of what’s possible when we rethink NHS infrastructure. We’re helping the QMC to achieve significant cost savings while creating a more comfortable and efficient environment for patients and staff. This project not only reduces carbon emissions but also enhances patient care, making it a model for future NHS improvements.

Through this innovative geothermal solution, E.ON is showing that the future of energy isn’t just low-carbon — it’s already here. This project isn’t just about meeting environmental targets; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of those who work, visit, and stay at the hospital.