Solihull’s flagship low‑carbon energy network is entering its final stages of delivery, with construction and fit‑out of the new Energy Centre at Tudor Grange Park now nearing completion. Landscaping works around the site are set to begin shortly, marking another visible step toward the network becoming fully operational.
All pipework for the first phase of the scheme has now been successfully installed, creating the spine of the new town centre energy network. With the underground infrastructure in place the next phase of works includes final connections to customer buildings, and testing and commissioning of the system. Once complete, the network will begin supplying low‑carbon heat and hot water to its first customers as early as this summer.
The Energy Centre, powered by a heating plant that includes high‑efficiency air source heat pumps, will serve a range of town centre buildings, including The Core Theatre, Solihull College & University Centre, Tudor Grange Academy, and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre. Expansion plans are already underway, supporting the Council’s wider ambitions to cut carbon emissions, improve energy resilience, and future‑proof the town centre’s energy infrastructure.
Backed by a £9.6 million loan from the National Wealth Fund and UK Government funding, the project is being delivered in partnership with Vital Energi, who will design, build, operate, and maintain the network.
Dave Pardoe – Vital Energi Contracts Manager, Cllr Andy Mackiewicz – Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, Cllr Karen Grinsell – Leader of Solihull Council, Simon Jones – Vital Energi Regional Manager
“Reaching this stage is a major achievement for everyone involved. With the Energy Centre nearing completion and all phase one pipework now in the ground, we are moving ever closer to delivering cleaner, more efficient energy to key buildings in our town centre. This project is central to the long‑term vision for a greener, more resilient Solihull, set out in our town centre masterplan.”
Solihull Energy, the Council owned company established to operate the network, is already in discussions with a range of potential phase two customers as plans for future expansion progress.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, said:
“Heat networks are one of the most practical and cost‑effective ways to decarbonise buildings at scale. As we prepare for testing and commissioning, we are already seeing strong interest from potential phase two customers. The ability to expand the network over time is one of its greatest strengths, allowing us to support new developments and help more organisations transition to low‑carbon heat.”
Simon Jones, Regional Manager at Vital Energi, added:
“The project has reached an exciting point, with the Energy Centre taking shape and the full phase one network now installed. Our teams have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, and we look forward to supporting Solihull Council as we move into commissioning and prepare to bring the network online.”
Once fully operational, the Solihull Town Centre Energy Network will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and supporting the borough’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
To find out more about the scheme visit www.solihullenergy.co.uk