Solihull Council begins work on Low Carbon Energy Network
The project will be delivered in partnership with Vital Energi, and forms a key part of a wider strategy to decarbonise before 2045.
Once operational, the energy network will generate low carbon heat and power from a single energy centre, including Tudor Grange Leisure Centre.
This will then be distributed to buildings in Solihull Town Centre via underground pipework and cables. A range of solutions is being employed for production, including Air Source Heat Pumps.
‘I’m really excited to have Vital on board. They bring a wealth of experience operating complex commercial schemes like this and have a proven track record of delivery,’ said Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Planning at Solihull Council.
‘A huge amount of hard work has already gone in to developing this project and with Vital’s help we can finally get it over the line and bring the benefit of affordable, reliable low carbon energy to Solihull town centre customers, while contributing to an overall reduction in the borough’s carbon emissions,’ he continued. ‘The town centre energy network will be the first of its kind in Solihull and will hopefully pave the way for similar projects around the borough.’
A competitive tender process resulted in Vital Energi Ltd being chosen as contractor. The company, which has already delivered similar schemes in Leeds (the PIPES project) and Merseyside (Mersey Heat), will be responsible for building, operating and maintaining the infrastructure. The firm has already provided consultancy and advice during the early stages of developing the Solihull scheme.
‘We’re delighted to be partnering with Solihull Council to deliver this Low Carbon Energy Network,’ said Gemma Dyson, Pre-Construction Director at Vital Energi. ‘We’ve worked closely with the Council throughout the initial project stages, and now we’re really looking forward to continuing with our collaborative approach to deliver an energy network that makes significant strides in reducing the borough’s carbon emissions.’
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Image: Vital Energi