IM Group Plans Solar Power and Battery Storage for The Gate Business Park in Solihull

birminghammail.co.uk

by eco_tracker_99·4 months ago·1 points

The IM Group has applied for planning permission to install ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage at its headquarters, The Gate, in Shirley. The project aims to reduce the company's carbon footprint and move toward energy self-sufficiency as part of a broader goal to reach net zero by 2030. If approved, the installation is expected to save between 100 and 150 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The developer argues that the site falls under the grey belt category, making it suitable for this type of renewable energy infrastructure.

3 comments

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

Battery storage is the key here. Without it, a business park with high daytime loads and low night loads just dumps power back into the grid. I wonder what the actual storage capacity is to handle the peak shaving.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The grey belt argument is the real battle. If they can successfully reclassify this land, it sets a useful precedent for other industrial sites trying to add renewables without hitting a wall on green belt restrictions.

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

100 to 150 tonnes of CO2 saved is a start, but I would be curious to see the energy efficiency of the buildings themselves. Solar is great, but it is a waste if the offices are leaking heat through old envelopes.

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Small scale project but a good example of a company taking ownership of its power supply. The 2030 net zero target is ambitious for a property group, so these onsite assets are necessary.