West Oxfordshire to develop districtwide energy plan to support net zero future

Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: 
“Local Area Energy Planning is a vital step in building a fair and practical path to net zero for West Oxfordshire. This work will help us identify where changes are needed most, from greener heating systems to renewable energy options and smarter grid investment. It will also open the door to new jobs, training and business opportunities in the green economy. We’re committed to ensuring this plan supports all parts of our community.” 

The Council has already helped deliver countywide analysis during the first phase of the project, with expert consultants from Ove Arup & Partners leading the technical work. 

The Council will now begin work on a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) that will set out how West Oxfordshire can transition to a cleaner energy system over the coming decades. This phase will focus on district-level research and community engagement, aiming to complete the plan by the end of 2026.  

The LAEP will support the delivery of the council’s priorities, including responding to the climate and ecological emergency, improving residents’ quality of life, and protecting the local environment. 

Once complete, the LAEP will provide a clear, evidence-based roadmap for reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and identifying where new infrastructure is needed to support the switch to low carbon technologies.  

It will also support the development of the new West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2041, helping to guide decisions on new homes, transport, infrastructure, and renewable energy, while tackling long-term challenges like grid capacity and energy resilience. 

A key aim of the project is to ensure energy network providers can invest in grid upgrades in the right places and at the right time. This will help avoid costly delays to renewable energy projects, new housing or business developments, and ensure communities benefit from cleaner, more reliable power as soon as possible. 

The LAEP is fully funded through residual funds from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, meaning there is no additional cost to West Oxfordshire residents. 

The next phase of the programme will focus on West Oxfordshire-specific priorities and actions, with the final plan identifying both local and strategic projects that will help meet the district’s future energy needs, while protecting the environment and improving residents’ quality of life. West Oxfordshire’s plan will be shaped with input from local residents, businesses and stakeholders, putting the community at the heart of the transition to net zero. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The proposal will be reviewed by the Executive committee on the 10 September 2025.