Net zero emission MR imaging using a permanent 0.4 T magnet

Radiology, particularly superconducting MRI, accounts for a significant share of healthcare energy consumption. We aimed to achieve zero-emission MR imaging by combining a permanent-magnet MRI with a solar energy system. We installed a 30-kW peak rooftop solar array on an energy-efficient building. We used a permanent-magnet MRI system with a 0.4 T field strength, 25 mT gradients, and a 55 T/m/s slew rate. We installed a 22 kWh LiFePO4 battery for short-term energy storage. A smart consumer controller routed solar energy as the primary source. Surplus solar energy was fed into the power grid. If solar production was too low, energy was purchased from the grid. In the event of a grid failure with no available solar energy, a high-voltage DC generator would supply grid energy. Energy consumption and solar energy production were analyzed from January 2024 to December 2025. Total energy consumption in 2025 was 22,992 kWh. Total energy production in 2025 was 30,823 kWh. Total grid feed in 2025 was 16,364 kWh. Total energy retrieved from the grid in 2025 was 8948 kWh. From May to August 2025, the practice operated grid independent for more than 94% of the time. The practice’s energy balance was positive (negative CO 2 emissions) at 7416 kWh (− 2692 kg CO 2 ). A permanent-magnet MRI, combined with a solar power system, enabled grid-independent operation with net negative CO 2 emissions.