HOME to one of the world’s most prestigious collegiate research universities, the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) is supporting a low carbon heat network scheme in Oxford that will decarbonise public sector buildings across the city.

1Energy has secured almost £22 million from the GHNF for a heat network powered by 20MW of water source heat pump capacity. The project will provide low carbon heating to a number of Oxford’s most historical public sector buildings.

The University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership (ZCOP) are just a few of the major stakeholders 1Energy is collaborating with to help shape and deliver the project. 1Energy is already moving forward to advance the heat network with plans to begin construction in 2026 following engagement with the local community and securing planning consent.

The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by 15,000 tonnes a year – a significant step towards Oxford’s net zero ambitions. By reducing air pollution, the heat network aims to support a healthier, cleaner environment for those who live, work and study in the area.

The network is also forecast to reduce harmful air pollutants linked to respiratory problems by 5% before 2030. To ensure the project delivers a meaningful impact, 1Energy has established a community benefit task group which brings together major institutions in the city to explore ways the project can support community initiatives, tackle fuel poverty and create local employment opportunities.

CEO of 1Energy, Andrew Wettern, said: “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.

“Oxford has more than 1,500 listed buildings across the city, so the decarbonisation challenge for Oxford is much harder than many other cities. The Oxford Energy Network matches perfectly to the challenge because it will be invisible and silent, it will supply the temperatures required by these historic buildings to maintain their warmth in the winter, and it will be easier and cheaper for customers to connect to the network than to create their own low-carbon heat onsite.”

“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.”

Programme Director, Ken Hunnisett, said private and public sector stakeholders are collaborating to create a “truly thriving” heat network market.

“1Energy’s transformative project in Oxford is a brilliant example of what this kind of collaboration can achieve, delivering significant volumes of heat, improving air quality, and connecting communities, while decarbonising some of the UK’s leading institutions and a University of world renown,” he said.

“We are delighted to announce today’s £22 million worth of GHNF support to help get the project off the ground, and we are looking forward to seeing its progress in the coming years as Oxford develops more sustainable living and working spaces.”