​Oxford is set to benefit from a £21 million government investment to develop a new low carbon heat network, aimed at reducing the city's carbon emissions and supporting its transition to net zero.

The funding, awarded through the Green Heat Network Fund, will support the Oxford Energy Network, a major project led by energy firm 1Energy. The scheme involves installing around 20km, or 12 miles of underground piping to deliver hot water heated by low carbon sources to homes, businesses and public buildings across the city.

The network is expected to become operational by 2030 and will provide heating by using energy-efficient heat pumps that draw warmth from the air, water and local data centres. These technologies are designed to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining a reliable heat supply. Water circulating in the network will reach temperatures of up to 80°C, suitable for a wide range of building types, including historic properties.

With buildings responsible for the majority of Oxford's emissions, the heat network is seen by local authorities and academic institutions as a vital step in achieving the city's goal of becoming a net zero carbon city by 2040.

The project builds on an existing, smaller network already operating between Oxford's John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals, which has demonstrated the feasibility of this approach on a local scale.

Oxford City Council and the University of Oxford are among the project's key supporters, viewing the development as a strategic solution for long-term sustainability. Oxford Brookes University also recognises the network as an opportunity to meet its carbon reduction targets more effectively.

Detailed plans are expected to be submitted for planning approval in the coming months, with the next phase of development scheduled to begin following that process.