Summary
The Oxfordshire Leaders Joint Committee (formerly 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 (now called the OLJC) 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 Oxfordshire Leaders Joint Committee continues to use its collective voice to advocate for improvements in energy planning to alleviate grid constraints and facilitate the rollout of net zero.
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