1Energy Launches Low Carbon Heat Network in Oxford

Welcome, Net Zero News readers! Today, we bring you exciting news from the forefront of sustainable urban development in the UK. The city of Oxford, renowned for its rich history and academic excellence, is set to embark on a transformative journey towards decarbonisation with the launch of the Oxford Energy Network.

1Energy, the leading low-carbon city heat network developer, has successfully secured a substantial £21 million investment from the UK government to kickstart this visionary project. This funding will play a crucial role in establishing a city-wide heat network that aims to revolutionise the way Oxford heats its buildings while significantly reducing the city’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The ambitious project will initially see an investment of an additional £100 million in private capital, with plans to expand this figure to over £500 million as the network evolves to connect more buildings across the city. This extensive investment underscores the commitment to not only modernise heating solutions but also to create a sustainable future for Oxford and its residents.

Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership (ZCOP), Oxford Brookes University, and the University of Oxford, 1Energy aims to advance the network with construction set to begin in 2026. This timeline hinges on ongoing engagement with the local community and the acquisition of necessary planning consents.

The Oxford Energy Network is designed to address high heat consumption organisations first, with the potential to decrease the city’s fossil-fuel gas demand by an impressive 10%. Furthermore, it is projected to cut carbon emissions by 15,000 tonnes annually, accounting for approximately two per cent of the city’s total emissions. By linking buildings to the network, emissions could be reduced by up to 81%, marking a significant step towards a cleaner, greener Oxford.

This innovative project is particularly crucial for Oxford, a city that faces unique challenges due to its numerous historic and grade-one listed buildings. By decarbonising heating, the city aims to tackle air pollution—a significant contributor to health issues and greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Notably, some of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks could soon benefit from low-carbon heat, moving away from traditional gas boilers.

1Energy’s initiative aligns perfectly with Oxford’s environmental leadership and the goals set by ZCOP, contributing to the city’s broader ambition of decarbonisation while preserving its architectural integrity and historical significance. The network is set to lay the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future for all residents.

In addition to advancing climate goals, the Oxford Energy Network is expected to improve public health by reducing air pollution levels. The network aims to decrease harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, by five per cent before 2030. To enhance community engagement, 1Energy has established a task group that includes major institutions in the city, focusing on how the network can support local projects, alleviate fuel poverty, and boost employment opportunities.

Andrew Wettern, CEO of 1Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Oxford is already at the very forefront of city decarbonisation and low carbon energy through the work of the University, and the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership and its constituent members. We are thrilled to add to this success by enabling the city to decarbonise heat through the Oxford Energy Network.”

Wettern further emphasised the unique challenges of decarbonising a city with over 1,500 listed buildings, noting, “The Oxford Energy Network matches perfectly to the challenge because it will be invisible and silent, supplying the temperatures required by these historic buildings to maintain their warmth in the winter. It will be easier and cheaper for customers to connect to the network than to create their own low-carbon heat on-site.”

He also highlighted the potential of the Oxford Energy Network as a model for other historical cities and towns, stating, “By using the Oxford Energy Network as a model for other historical cities and towns, we can deliver heat decarbonisation in a way that preserves our heritage, across many more cities and towns at pace.”

Oxford has long been a leader in sustainability, home to initiatives like the Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme and the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development. The city’s commitment to addressing air pollution and climate change has seen organisations set ambitious targets to replace gas boilers with low-carbon alternatives rapidly.

Heat networks are recognised as the most cost-effective and straightforward method for decarbonising heat in urban areas. By employing underground, water-filled pipes to transfer low-carbon heat, these networks preserve the aesthetic charm of historic city centres while requiring minimal retrofitting of existing buildings.

As the first company in the UK to utilise ‘deep green’ private capital to develop large-scale low-carbon heat networks like the Oxford Energy Network, 1Energy is poised to invest a staggering £1 billion over the next eight years into new low-carbon heat networks across the UK, bringing decarbonisation to additional national landmarks.

Reducing gas consumption through these networks not only aids in achieving climate targets but also alleviates public health costs and protects businesses from volatile gas prices. With the Oxford Energy Network, the city is set to lead by example in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The journey towards a decarbonised Oxford is one that involves the community, local government, and institutions all working in tandem to achieve shared goals. The Oxford Energy Network represents a significant step forward in this collaborative effort, showcasing how innovative solutions can address both environmental and social challenges.

In summary, the Oxford Energy Network is not just a project; it is a beacon of hope for cities worldwide facing similar challenges in the fight against climate change. As we move forward, let us celebrate the strides being made in Oxford and encourage similar initiatives across other regions. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.