Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) is working with partners to develop an innovative and reliable new district Energy Network that will deliver heat and hot water into the taps, radiators, and heating systems of connected town centre buildings.

The Energy Network will supply low-carbon heating and electricity to a variety of public and private sector organisations across Solihull town centre, including council buildings, educational facilities, and commercial offices. Energy will be produced at a new central Energy Centre located adjacent to the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre car park. The network will incorporate low-carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps and distribute heat and power to connected buildings through an underground network of pipes and cables.

SMBC is preparing a public procurement exercise to appoint a Development Partner for the commercialisation of energy networks within the UK Central (UKC) Hub. The opportunity falls within the services sector and covers construction, business support, technical, and consultancy services in Solihull, United Kingdom. The pre-market engagement registration deadline is scheduled for 15 June 2026 at 16:00. Further procurement notices are anticipated by 1 July 2026. The proposed contract is expected to run for a 12-month period, from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027. 

This tender offers substantial opportunities for organisations operating in the construction, legal, financial, technical, and commercial advisory sectors, particularly those with expertise in Heat Network Zoning. It is well-suited to providers already delivering comparable services and looking to broaden their presence by supporting a prominent public-sector energy infrastructure project.

The opportunity is open to a wide range of suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), providing a valuable route to participate in the UK's growing low-carbon energy sector. With a potential contract value of up to £600,000, the project represents an attractive opportunity for firms to contribute to the development of sustainable energy infrastructure while expanding their business capabilities.