NSW Public Works is the sustainability infrastructure delivery partner for the Hunter New England Local Health District, delivering 2,900kW of rooftop solar across 22 sites since August 2022.

Background

In August 2022, NSW Public Works (NSWPW) partnered with Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) to deliver sustainable infrastructure upgrades at NSW Health sites across the Hunter New England Region.

To date, NSWPW has delivered approximately 2,900kW of rooftop solar across 22 sites, with an additional 9 sites approved for construction.

The program is a major development in the HNELHD Sustainability Strategy, which ambitiously aims to be carbon and waste neutral by 2030.

Our role

NSWPW provided technical leadership, project management and contract management services for the works.
With all work occurring in busy public hospitals, construction safety was a critical success factor.

NSWPW worked closely with HNELHD and the contractor to identify and manage risks. Collaborating with the on-site engineering and clinical services teams, NSWPW facilitated the integration of each site with minimal impact to hospital operations and service delivery.

The project was completed with no safety issues.

Outcomes

The first installation, a 346kW system at Belmont Hospital, was energised in March 2023 following a comprehensive final inspection by high and low voltage inspectors from Ausgrid. Finding no defects, both inspectors were impressed by the quality of the project.

Following the success of the first installation, other photovoltaic installations were commissioned and completed, including large-scale photovoltaic installations for Armidale, Belmont, and Tamworth.

This program of works demonstrates the solar capability of NSWPW, building on the legacy of the 2.2MW system delivered at John Hunter Hospital which remains the largest rooftop solar system in the southern hemisphere.