Mitie Care & Custody has been awarded the ten-year contract to operate HMP Millsike, Britain’s ‘first all-electric’ green prison, which will be powered by solar energy.
It will be the first prison in Britain to run entirely on electricity. In addition to solar panels, heat pump technology will be implemented. This means it will use around a quarter of the energy required to heat traditional Victorian prisons.
Improved, ultra-efficient LED lighting systems will also play a role in reducing energy consumption. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority pointed out in September that, in addition to the positive environmental impact, the project’s improved energy efficiency will reduce energy costs to taxpayers by more than £1 million per year.
The Category C prison is the third new prison to be built as part of the Government’s £4 billion prison expansion programme. To date, more than £117 million has been invested in the local community through construction, and Mitie Care & Custody will employ more than 500 people when the prison is operational.
The contract, worth £329 million, will start when the prison opens in 2025. Mitie will offer a range of services, including skills programs and drug treatment, to reduce the risk of recidivism.
Danny Spencer, managing director at Mitie Care & Custody, said: “With our experience in delivering vital public services to support the immigration, justice and care sectors, as well as our expertise in transformation and decarbonisation of facilities , we are excited to bring a modern and caring approach to prison management at this innovative new location.”
Prisons Minister Edward Argar said: “We are creating modern and safe prisons with rehabilitation at their heart, so we can improve the lives of offenders for good and further reduce crime and recidivism.”
This article first appeared in our sister publication, Current±.
Solar Power Portal’s publisher Solar Media will host the UK Solar Summit on 4-5 June 2024 in London. The event will explore Britain’s new utility and rooftop solar landscape, look at the opportunities within a GW+ annual market, and much more. For more information, visit the website.
