Press release News 2025-04-10
Equans Completes Major Resilience and Sustainability Upgrades for the University of Leeds and Leeds General Infirmary
In Rotterdam our company has won the biggest contract for charging infrastructure, it concerns 4,000 new EV charging points. We provide the management, operations and installations. Also, in Rotterdam, we opened four smart charge plazas, at which Vehicle to Grid (V2G) charge points are connected on one grid. At one of these plaza’s, predictive Artificial Intelligence (AI) is deployed to investigate whether smart charging of electric cars can be optimised.
Equans, has successfully completed a major infrastructure upgrade project at Leeds Generating Station Complex (GSC) for the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The transformative infrastructure project will provide enhanced resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of critical systems, ensuring the continued provision of essential services for education and healthcare facilities. It will also provide guaranteed energy savings of c.£3 million a year.
The project, which encompassed state-of-the-art upgrades to boilers, chillers, water plants, and digital systems, demonstrates Equans' expertise in delivering innovative solutions that prioritise sustainability and cost efficiency while minimising disruption to service users.
Key achievements of the project include:
- Installation of 55MW boiler upgrades, enhancing the reliability of hot water and heating services for multiple buildings.
- Water plant upgrades to improve resilience, enabling the distribution of 200,000 litres of water daily.
- Replacement of four 3.34MW chiller units, delivering resilient cooling systems to ensure patient comfort and operational efficiency for critical medical equipment.
- Comprehensive updates to digital monitoring systems, improving remote plant visibility and control.
- Introduction of new generators, CHP engines, and a high-voltage distribution board, achieving significant energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
- Repairs to a 40-year-old roof, safeguarding the future operations of vital facilities.
The upgrades have been delivered with minimal disruption to end-users, ensuring continuity of patient care and educational services, while aligning with long-term sustainability goals and the customers’ commitments to net zero.
Craige Richardson, Executive Director Estates & Facilities at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Ensuring the resilience and efficiency of our critical infrastructure is essential to delivering high-quality patient care. The upgrades at Leeds GSC have further strengthened our ability to provide reliable heating, cooling, and essential services across our estate, while also delivering substantial energy savings. This project enhances our approach to sustainability and operational excellence and reinforces our commitment to both patient well-being and long-term environmental responsibility.”
Geraint Jones, Director for Embedded Energy at Equans UK & Ireland, commented: "This project demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving progress for critical infrastructure. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and prioritising operational resilience, we have not only future-proofed the site but also delivered tangible benefits for both the University of Leeds and Leeds General Infirmary. With sustainability at the core of our approach, these upgrades mark a significant step forward in reducing energy costs and environmental impact while ensuring continuity of services that communities rely on."
To learn more about the project and its transformative impact, watch the summary video.
