Wednesday 8 March 2023

Solihull to become home to £18m low carbon power network

Solihull is set to slash its carbon emissions by half with the first phase of an £18.4 million new low carbon power network.

Due to inflation the estimated cost is now £5 million higher than it was in 2020, with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Heat Networks Investment Projects to fund roughly £10 million of the scheme, with the remainder covered by Solihull Council.

The town is aiming to be net zero by 2041, with the energy network set to play a key role in this ambition. It is intended to provide greener heating and electricity to council buildings, offices, schools and colleges in the area.

Gas boilers in relevant buildings will be replaced with a new modern system, with it being expected to take between 15 and 18 months to get the network up and running.

Full planning permission for the network was granted in March 2021 and Solihull Council is currently choosing an energy company to partner with on the project.

The energy hub will be constructed next to the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, with the network extending south to Solihull College and Tudor Grange Academy. Future phases could power Alderbrook School on Blossomfield Road, St Peter’s Catholic School and eventually Solihull Hospital.