Nine hospitals call for climate-resilient energy systems

A coalition of nine hospitals is calling for $1.5 million in government funding for a feasibility study into climate-resilient energy systems, which can keep hospitals running during emergencies. The All-electric Healthy Hospitals Campaign — encompassing more than 100,000 health workers — is making the call as part of a view that investment is needed in reliable, affordable hospital energy. Also needed, the campaign advocates, are insights into how hospitals can make the renewable energy transition without disrupting patient care.

“For over a year, we’ve been speaking with hospitals from across the country, and many have told us they’re struggling with aging infrastructure, rising fuel costs and backup power systems that are unreliable in a crisis,” Ursula Alquier, a Healthy Hospitals campaigner, said, pointing to the recent Cyclone Alfred as evidence of the urgency of this issue — when power was cut to Gold Coast University Hospital, compromising critical services.

“Hospitals can’t afford to gamble with power failures. That’s why these hospitals see the benefits of going all-electric, to ensure they have reliable, resilient energy when they need it most. Feasibility studies will lay the groundwork for this transition, identifying the best solutions for different hospital types so they can keep the lights on and continue delivering care in an emergency.”

“The 2025–2026 Budget is a defining moment. Will the government invest in hospitals’ energy resilience to ensure they can withstand disasters — or will it leave them vulnerable to the next blackout?” Alquier said. 

Lauren Kite is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Broome Health Campus, one of the nine sites recommended in the feasibility study. She said, “Diesel generators keep our hospital running when power disruptions happen, but they’re expensive, polluting and not a sustainable long-term option. The cost of fuel alone takes resources away from patient care. Investing in renewable energy and battery storage would provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for hospitals like ours.”

The nine pilot hospitals recommended to undergo feasibility studies to estimate costs, savings and emissions reductions for electrification are:

• Queensland: Redland Hospital
• New South Wales: Coffs Harbour, Kurri Kurri Hospital (the Hunter)
• Northern Territory: Gove District Hospital
• South Australia: Modbury Hospital
• Tasmania: New Norfolk District Hospital
• Victoria: Echuca Regional Health, Williamstown Hospital
• Western Australia: Broome Health Campus
   

Image credit: iStock.com/Adam Calaitzis