Summary

The Future Oxfordshire Partnership is supporting the six Oxfordshire councils to work together to develop Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) for Oxfordshire. As the UK transitions away from fossil fuels to renewable, locally generated energy sources, the energy grid will need to work differently to store and distribute energy. The grid also needs to be prepared for fluctuations in energy demand which result from the delivery of other council ambitions, such as housing delivery and decarbonisation.

The LAEPs will bring together this information together to provide a plan of clear, community-focused actions for transforming how energy is generated, used and managed in Oxfordshire. The LAEPs will identify the actions needed within each district, alongside cross-boundary initiatives to be delivered at the county level. 

Local Area Energy Planning in Oxfordshire can help shape a sustainable energy future and support the county's journey to net zero, empowering communities and decision-makers to co-create localised energy solutions so Oxfordshire thrives environmentally and economically.

Key Outputs

Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) provides an action plan that takes into account energy and infrastructure plans at the national level. It incorporates technical evidence on the whole energy system, wider non-technical factors, and engagement with stakeholders.

LAEP aims to deliver cost savings, social benefits and a more coordinated energy transition by taking a proactive, whole-systems, place-specific approach to energy planning. They should also give Distribution System Operators (DSOs) the information they need to invest ahead of need to deliver the network capacity required for development and net zero objectives.

Key benefits of a LAEP should include:

  • A plan for decarbonisation to meet net zero targets
    The route to decarbonised energy (mainly heat and transport) will be more efficient if it is planned via the LAEP process, and even more effective when this is done by all the councils of Oxfordshire working collectively. This will contribute to broader efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community.
  • Cleaner energy sources
    ‍‍
    LAEPs create a strategy for the increased use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to reduce dependence on non-renewable and environmentally harmful resources.
  • A fairer approach to energy decisions
    LAEPs give agency to local decision making. They involve diverse stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and policymakers, to ensure a well-rounded and representative approach to energy planning. They also allow for locally agreed priorities to be communicated to the Distribution System Operators and the newly established Regional Energy System Planner (RESP).
  • A smarter, more efficient energy system that reduces overdependence on increasing grid capacity
    Building more electricity infrastructure is costly. LAEPs highlight ways to improve the operation of the distribution network that could allow for the delay or avoidance of expensive reinforcement. This will in turn result in reduced network impacts and the diversion of Distribution Network Operators resources to areas of high priority. This will ensure the county has the energy it needs to meet its development needs.
  • Increased investment in energy infrastructure and a planned investment portfolio
    LAEPs will produce an action plan of costed energy projects, which will make planned investment and delivery more likely. Investment decisions will be based on a solid evidence base established in the LAEP.
  • A more reliable energy supply for homes and businesses
    LAEPs support the planning and implementing of necessary energy infrastructure projects, including smart grids, storage facilities, and distribution networks, to support the evolving energy needs of the community. This strengthens the resilience of the local energy system to external shocks, ensuring continuous access to energy during emergencies or disruptions.
  • Policy recommendations
    LAEPs provide evidence-based recommendations for the development and improvement of energy-related policies, regulations, and incentives.

Current Status

Ove Arup & Partners have been appointed as experienced lead consultants in the development of the Local Area Energy Plans.

The LAEPs will guide us on the most cost-effective options for decarbonising at scale. It will provide evidence for investment decisions and support for funding bids. The LAEPs will bring this information together to provide a plan of clear, community-focused actions for transforming how energy is generated, used and managed in Oxfordshire. A LAEP with tailored actions will be developed for each district. It will also demonstrate where projects are best aggregated to county level or wider to give critical mass.

The LAEPs will be developed throughout 2025.

There will be a number of opportunities for communities and stakeholders to engage with the development of the LAEPs. We will keep this page up to date with information about these opportunities.

Background

In July 2024, the leaders of Oxfordshire's councils approved the development of the Local Area Energy Plans and an ongoing LAEP function for Oxfordshire at a meeting of the Future Oxfordshire Partnership. The project went out to procurement, with contract award in November 2024 and project commencement shortly thereafter.

An Executive Steering Board and multi-agency working group have been established. These bring together council representatives, Electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), the gas distributor, and other key strategic partners to provide the strategic direction and practical support needed to embed the local area energy planning approach in Oxfordshire.

The Local Energy Oxfordshire (LEO) LAEP+ mapping tool developed through Project LEO provides key data and insight to inform local area energy planning, whilst insights from the various LEO asset and place-based trials offer ideas for innovative decentralised, local energy solutions.

Further Information

Read HM Government's research briefing on Local Area Energy Planning.

See a case study of a Local Area Energy Plan from Manchester Greater Authority.

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