Summary
The Future Oxfordshire Partnership has identified shared concerns across Oxfordshire that constraints in the development of the electricity grid have the potential to negatively impact upon the pace of delivery of net zero ambitions.
To achieve collective net zero ambitions while maintaining inward investment within the county, a sustainable, decarbonized energy system is required. However, grid constraints in both the transmission and distribution elements of the electricity network are resulting in delays to deliver renewable energy projects and decarbonization activity, which (including electric vehicle charger rollout and heat pump installation) whilst inhibiting inward investment within Oxfordshire.
Key Outputs
Following written letters from FOP to the three Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) which cover Oxfordshire, in April 2023, Local Authority Leaders and OxLEP met with SSEN, National Grid Electricity Distribution, and UK Power Networks to understand the causes of infrastructure delays, reinforcement plans, and opportunities to work together to address ongoing challenges in the local energy network. The meeting highlighted the importance of local area energy planning and the need for local authority input into Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES). Local authorities can input into DFES on an annual basis. DFES map out the different growth projections for electricity distribution networks across the UK, through forecasting changing electricity requirements; in doing so DFES support network upgrade planning and direct investment.
Current Status
The Future Oxfordshire Partnership continues to use its collective voice to advocate for improvements in energy planning to alleviate grid constraints and facilitate the rollout of net zero.
Related News
Future Oxfordshire Partnership Advocates for Urgent Action on Grid Constraints Hindering Net Zero Goals
The Future Oxfordshire Partnership, a committee of Oxfordshire's six local authorities working with key strategic partners working to deliver a sustainable future for the county, calls to address critical concerns hindering net zero ambitions in the region.
Read more...Future Oxfordshire Partnership Embarks on Ambitious Net Zero Journey
The Future Oxfordshire Partnership has endorsed five workstreams of the Net Zero Route Map and Action Plan, setting out the path to a net zero future for the county.
Read more...Oxfordshire Councils agree new approach to co-ordinating planning in county
On Wednesday 27 September, following the cessation of work on the Oxfordshire Plan 2050, the Future Oxfordshire Partnership agreed a new approach to co-ordinating planning across the county by updating the remit of the Oxfordshire Plan Advisory Group.
Read more...