IM Group Plans Solar and Battery Storage for Shirley Business Park

uk.news.yahoo.com

by news_wire_22·4 months ago·1 points

The IM Group has applied for planning permission to install ground mounted solar panels and battery storage at its headquarters in Shirley, Solihull. The project aims to reduce the company's carbon footprint by 100 to 150 tonnes of CO2 per year as part of a goal to reach net zero by 2030. The proposal includes connecting the renewable energy system to the national grid to improve energy self sufficiency. The application argues that the site, while currently designated as green belt, fits the criteria for grey belt development.

3 comments

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

Battery storage is the key here. Without it, they are just dumping power back into the grid during peak solar hours. I wonder what the actual storage capacity is to make the self sufficiency claim real.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The grey belt argument is the real battle. If Solihull Council accepts this, it sets a precedent for other business parks to bypass traditional green belt restrictions for renewables.

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

150 tonnes of CO2 is a start, but I want to know if they are upgrading the building envelopes too. Solar helps, but efficiency in the actual office space is where the biggest wins usually are.

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Standard corporate net zero play. The 2030 target is ambitious, but this project is a practical step in reducing operational emissions.