The scheme, which was announced in March, will expanded to 70 new sites providing energy bill savings of up to £65m.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘There is not just a moral case for this investment, but a pragmatic one too. 

‘Every pound the NHS spends on rising energy bills is money that can't be spent on cutting waiting times. 

‘By modernising the NHS and cutting wasteful spending, including taking back control of our energy, we will get patients treated faster.'

The NHS is the single biggest public sector energy user, with an estimated annual energy bill of around £1.34bn, that has almost doubled since 2019.  

The full programme covering 260 sites is estimated to see total lifetime energy bill savings for the NHS of up to £325m - with the average NHS site estimated to save around £35,000 a year. 

As part of the expanded scheme, 34 NHS trusts will receive a share of up to £30m. 

Michele Moran, chief executive, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trusts, said: ‘We're really proud to have secured funding through the NHS and Great British Energy Solar Partnership. It's another important step in our journey to deliver on our Green Plan and reach Net Zero. 

‘This investment will help us expand solar generation across key sites, reduce our reliance on grid energy and lower our carbon footprint. It's a great example of how we're investing in a more sustainable future for our services and communities.'