Exciting updates on Solihull’s low-carbon energy network project are here, promising cleaner energy for schools and buildings in the area.
The energy hub will be built near Tudor Grange Leisure Centre. It will extend down to Solihull College and Tudor Grange Academy. Future plans even include powering Alderbrook School and St Peter’s Catholic School.
Solihull is aiming for net zero emissions by 2041. This energy network is a big part of that goal. They got full planning permission back in March 2021.
In October 2023, the council’s cabinet gave the green light for the £18.7 million project. They secured funding through grants and some borrowing.
Since work didn’t start within three years of the original planning permission, they had to resubmit the application. That was approved last May.
Last summer, the council teamed up with Vital Energi Ltd to make this happen. Recently, they submitted a new application for some changes to the planning permission.
One key change is to adjust the site on Blossomfield Road due to some unexpected underground services. Other changes include reducing the energy center’s size and adding new enclosures.
They submitted these plans on January 8. If you want to check them out, search for PL/2025/00040/NONMC on the council’s planning portal.
When the deal with Vital Energi was announced, Coun Andy Mackiewicz said a lot of hard work has gone into this project. With their help, they can finally bring affordable, reliable low-carbon energy to Solihull. This network will be the first of its kind in the area and could inspire similar projects in the future.
