NHS Scotland is seeking partners to deliver fully funded renewable energy projects across four regional health boards as part of its drive to cut energy costs and achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The Common Services Agency, operating as NHS National Services Scotland has issued a prior information notice to gauge market interest and capabilities ahead of a formal procurement process.

The initiative aims to secure private investment in sustainable energy solutions for NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, NHS Forth Valley, and NHS Lanarkshire.

These projects will be delivered through PPAs and could include technologies such as battery storage, solar PV, and EV charging infrastructure with solar canopies.

The energy infrastructure may be deployed on-site via private wire connections or supply power through off-site corporate or virtual arrangements.

The NHS Health Boards require suppliers to have at least five years of trading history and a strong financial standing.

Potential partners must demonstrate experience in delivering large-scale renewable energy projects, with a track record of managing portfolios between 60 MW and 240 MW. In addition to technical expertise, suppliers must understand public sector procurement complexities and timelines, particularly in structuring PPAs.

The procurement strategy is designed to ensure no upfront capital expenditure from NHS Scotland. Instead, private sector partners will fund the projects, providing cost savings and potential revenue streams for the Health Boards. The deadline for expressions of interest is April 18, 2025, with a formal contract notice expected to be published on August 29.

A supplier information day is planned to be held on April 30.

A trio of other Scottish health boards in September 2024 also got a process underway to engage in a similar PPA strategy, as reported by NPM at the time.

Fellow health authority NHS Tayside then followed that up with another separate procurement earlier in 2025.