FAQs

We have created a connection point to our EV charging network at Oxford Bus Company’s Watlington Road depot, ready to support the electrification of the city’s bus fleet.

We are continuing to engage with other local bus operators to assess how we can support the phased migration of their fleets to zero emission electric vehicles. This would significantly improve air quality in and around Oxford and would further boost the role buses play in reducing emissions and congestion.

ESO has installed over 60 highly efficient ground source heat pumps at households in Blackbird Leys to reduce heating costs and carbon emissions.

The heat pumps combine smart controls with dynamic pricing signals to shift operation to the cleanest and cheapest times of day.  They also learn the resident’s heating preferences and how the building fabric heats up and cools down. With all this they can optimise the heating profile for comfort and cost.

ESO is a four-year project which began in April 2019. It includes the installation of a cutting-edge hybrid battery energy storage project, 4 miles of cabling, and a powerful network of EV charge points and ground source heat pumps. The project has been slightly delayed by Covid, and will be fully installed and live from 2022. Its end date has been extended to March 2023 to reflect these changes. The infrastructure will continue to deliver lasting long-term benefits to Oxford and its citizens supporting the city’s journey to net zero and cutting air pollution and carbon emissions.

ESO is a £41 million project creating a blueprint for cities around the world to cut carbon and improve air quality. The project has received £10 million of grant funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

A 4 mile underground electricity cable has been installed, connecting the electric vehicle charging hub at Redbridge Park & Ride to National Grid’s high-voltage transmission system at Cowley substation. The network could be extended to other points around Oxford as EV charging needs grow.