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Solar panels at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre to power low carbon network

The Solar PV installation at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre is now complete, marking another major milestone in Solihull's low-carbon journey. The 388 panels can generate 174.6kWp in clean electricity and are set to cut carbon emissions by up to 30 tonnes annually, while reducing the leisure centre’s electricity costs by approximately £28,000 per year.

The installation, which was funded by Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) is projected to supply 21% of the leisure centre’s annual electricity needs. Whilst 90% of the zero-carbon electricity generated will be utilised for the leisure centre, any surplus energy generated during peak times will be exported to Solihull’s nearby energy centre, which is currently under construction in Tudor Grange Park. The exported electricity will be used to run powerful air source heat pumps at the energy centre and distributed to other local buildings via the new energy network.

Solihull’s wider low-carbon energy network project will provide heat and power to public and private sector customers, including Council-owned buildings and education campuses. This innovative new network will help to reduce fuel bills and future-proof against changes in customer energy needs. It is intended that future phases will then connect other buildings in the town centre and link to planned commercial or residential developments in line with the Council’s Town Centre Masterplan.

“The completion of the Tudor Grange Solar PV marks an exciting milestone in bringing low carbon technologies to Solihull. By supplying cleaner power to the Leisure Centre, we are taking important steps forward in this low-carbon initiative. Our team at Vital Energi is proud to see this phase of the project completed and remains committed to driving progress on the town’s energy network. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Solihull Council as we move into the next stages of the scheme.”

Simon Jones, Regional Manager at Vital Energi

“Rooftop solar PV installation is a fantastic way to help decarbonise individual buildings, making efficient use of often underutilised space. The beauty of this installation is that not only can the power generated help reduce the running cost of the leisure centre, while cutting emissions. But where surplus energy is produced, rather than it going to waste, it can be fed into the nearby energy centre and shared across our new network.”

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Planning

“This upgrade is a crucial step towards a greener future, helping Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and the Council reduce our carbon footprint. The solar panels are already making a real difference to our energy costs”

Jacob Harley-Beckett, General Manager, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre

“Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital for promoting physical activity in communities. Sport England is proud to support this project through the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability to ensure these facilities remain accessible for future generations.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place at Sport England

Elsewhere, enabling works for the new energy network are in full swing, with pipework being laid through Tudor Grange Park and along Homer Road. Work is also progressing at pace at the all-important energy centre, where the building’s steel framework is taking shape.