Powering Up Castle Vale has been exploring how local people can shape Castle Vale's energy future and benefit from the opportunities it creates. At its heart, the aim has been for residents to have a genuine say in decisions about local energy, including how it is owned, managed and used to benefit the community. Those benefits could include lower household energy bills, local jobs and training opportunities, and money being invested back into the neighbourhood to support the things that matter to local people.

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We've looked at how homes use energy, the potential for local solar power and how community ownership could actually work. A Citizens’ Jury, made up of 12 Castle Vale residents, has helped shape the plans, with a focus on making sure everyone in Castle Vale has the chance to benefit, whether they own or rent their home.

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We have produced 2 reports which bring together what we've learned and the recommendations for the next steps. They include proposals for a community-owned Solar Cooperative, shaped by technical studies and the views of the Citizens’ Jury. They also share learning that could help other communities and organisations planning similar projects.

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You can download the reports by clicking on the titles. 

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Powering Up Castle Vale: Final Report

This report explores the project's findings, including home energy assessments, feasibility studies, community engagement and recommendations for the next stages of work. If you'd like copies of the appendices, get in touch at pucv@birmingham.gov.uk. 

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Powering Up Castle Vale: Citizens’ Jury Report

Hear directly from the residents who examined the proposals and made recommendations on community ownership, fairness and how the benefits of local energy should be shared.

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