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Low Carbon Energy for the West End

Released on 1 Aug 2008

The Council's City Executive Board have given the go-ahead for the next stage of the West End District Heating Project.

The project seeks to provide a low carbon energy system for the West End of Oxford. The project would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide needed to provide heat and power to a range of developments planned for the West End.

Currently, the West End of Oxford is under-utilised and does not match Oxford's worldwide reputation, or live up to its potential. The renaissance of the West End is an exciting project with much potential but we must limit the effect these developments have on the environment.

Councillor Colin Cook, City Executive Board Member for City Development says: "The West End renaissance is a hugely exciting development for the city but we must make sure we are responsible, look at how the development will impact on climate change, and do all we can to reduce this impact.

"We want to produce a low-carbon sustainability project for the West End which can be held up as an exemplar project for the world to recognise.

"Tackling climate change is a priority at both a local and national level. It is crucial to act locally to tackle the global problem."

In 2006, Oxford City Council commissioned a three-stage study in order to investigate the potential for a sustainable energy scheme in the West End of Oxford.

A study into the feasibility of the project was completed earlier this year and found that it was both financially and technically feasible to undertake the project.

The project would involve the utilisation of a biomass boiler, which is part of the Westgate redevelopment, and a separate energy efficient plant to be constructed in Oxpens. Linked together, these projects could provide combined heat and power for the Oxpens site and heat to the other developments in the West End from renewable and low carbon sources.

The project will make improvements to energy efficiency over and above the 20% currently required by Oxford City Council.

More information about the West End District Heating plans can also be found on our website (Item 16)

The Council has produced a West End Area Action Plan (AAP) to guide future development and change in the West End. More information can be found on our website.

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