
NEWS
The latest news and updates from Low Carbon Hub
How to pay for improving your home
A plain-English guide to paying for home energy improvements in 2026, including what the Warm Homes Plan means for grants, loans, and getting started with retrofit.
Sandford Hydro gets an upgrade
Upgrades to our pioneering Sandford Hydro installation have increased its generation by over 17% in 2024/25. To address reduced generation during periods of low river flow when the screws cannot operate, we have covered the whole south-facing part of the plant in solar PV panels. This ensures the site can generate clean energy even when […]
Our 10-year Strategic Plan
We recently published our Strategic Plan that outlines our vision and mission in the next ten years for transitioning Oxfordshire to a zero-carbon energy system in a way that is beneficial for both people and the planet. In our plan, we emphasise the UK’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, recognising the urgency of […]
The Oxfordshire Schools getting gold stars for solar!
For many years, Low Carbon Hub has worked with schools across Oxfordshire on their energy efficiency, including installing solar PV panels to generate their own electricity and helping them identify ways they can become more energy efficient through programmes Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools (ACES). We believe that schools are perfect in many […]
Solar energy for your business: a sustainable solution
Today, businesses of all sizes face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact but also to reduce their energy costs. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels offer a sustainable and economically viable solution to both these challenges. By installing this renewable technology, businesses can be generating clean energy right on their roofs, reducing their reliance on the […]
Our positive impact on the planet 23-24
Low Carbon Hub is proud to be at the forefront of a collaborative effort to accelerate a low carbon economy in Oxfordshire and we recognise the significance of transforming our energy system to achieve our net-zero goals. We measure our progress towards this goal through four primary social impact metrics: Planet, People, Prosperity, and Perception. […]
Buzzing with Solar Honey
Ray Valley Solar isn’t just generating clean electricity – it’s also home to a thriving colony of Buckfast bees, busy producing our very own Solar Honey.
Ray Valley Solar - a shining example of solar innovation
Bifacial solar panels are an innovation in renewable energy technology that allows sunlight to be captured not only from the front, but also from the rear sides of the panels, maximising energy production and efficiency. Low Carbon Hub made the decision to install bifacial solar panels at our first ever ground mount solar park at […]
Low Carbon Hub at the Environmental Audit Committee
Low Carbon Hub CEO Barbara Hammond was invited to speak at the recent Environmental Audit Committee on ‘Enabling sustainable electrification of the UK economy’. The discussion delved into issues of connecting new renewables to the grid, planning processes, engaging with communities where renewable energy projects are set to be placed and the value of Local […]
Botley West Solar Farm
Botley West is a 840 MW solar park proposed to be built to the West and North of Oxford. The project is currently in its second phase of consultation until 8 February. During this time residents are invited to provide their feedback.
A People-Powered Transition: Why Community Energy Matters in Chris Skidmore's Net Zero Review
We take a look at Chris Skidmore’s Mission Zero report and the importance of community energy. In January, Chris Skidmore released his anticipated net-zero review: Mission Zero. The report calls for accelerated climate action from the UK Government. The Net Zero Review has travelled to all four nations of the UK, received 1800+ responses to […]
Low Carbon Hub's 10 Years in 10 Numbers
For over a decade, Low Carbon Hub has been at the heart of a growing partnership of people and organisations working together for a low carbon future. At this important milestone, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been achieved over these 10 years with the help of 10 numbers. 1. […]
Energy costs are rising: what can schools do?
At Low Carbon Hub we want to help as many schools as possible save money on their energy bills and do their bit for the environment. The UK has a target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and locally, Oxfordshire has set a target of cutting carbon emissions by 50% of 2008 levels […]