Introducing the Oxfordshire Local Area Energy Plan (OxLAEP)

A guest blog from Mark Saunders, Energy Systems and Investment Manager, Oxfordshire County Council

I’m excited to share an important piece of work underway that will help shape a cleaner, greener, and fairer energy future for Oxfordshire: the Oxfordshire Local Area Energy Plan – or OxLAEP for short.

The OxLAEP is a collaborative project between Oxfordshire County Council and all five district councils, supported by expert partners Arup and Global City Futures. It’s all about mapping out how we can transition to a net zero energy system across our county – looking at how we power our homes, move around, and heat our buildings in a way that’s good for people and planet.

Why do we need an energy plan?

To tackle climate change locally, we need a clear understanding of what needs to change, when, and how. The OxLAEP sets out a long-term vision for a zero-carbon energy system in Oxfordshire. It covers how energy is generated, stored and used in homes, industry, agriculture and transport – bringing together the whole picture so we can take coordinated, practical action.

The plan will also help identify which solutions are most effective in different areas, inform investment decisions, and ensure our efforts are joined up across the county.

What is going to happen?

OxLAEP is being developed in three key phases:

• Phase 1 (Jan–August 2025): Building a picture of Oxfordshire’s current energy system. This involves gathering data on energy use, infrastructure, and emissions across the county. It sets the foundation for modelling how we can reach net zero.
• Phase 2 (September 2025–early 2026): Creating tailored Local Area Energy Plans for each district council area. This stage is all identifying projects and areas for action—working with communities, councils, and stakeholders to decide on the best steps forward and how to deliver them.
• Phase 3 (early–mid 2026): Supporting delivery. This includes community engagement events, sharing what’s been learned, and helping local authorities and partners build the skills and knowledge needed to implement the plans over the long term.

What will the plan deliver?

OxLAEP will identify practical steps we can take now and in the future to cut carbon emissions from our energy use. It will outline who needs to do what, when, and how we can fund and support these changes. It is intended that a near-term delivery plan will help attract investment and get projects off the ground quickly. The plans will also help network operators such as Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks  improve their upgrade programme as the County replaces gas with electricity.

Importantly, the plan also supports local energy initiatives, like community solar and retrofit schemes, by providing the data and strategy needed to make them happen.

Putting people at the heart

Stakeholder involvement is at the core of the OxLAEP. From councils and energy network operators to community groups and businesses, everyone has a role to play. Listening to and involving local people means the plans will reflect real needs and create real opportunities for positive change. There will be a series of community stakeholder events across the County throughout the project.

Please check out the OxLAEP webpage for more information.

Mark Saunders is Energy Systems and Investment Manager, Oxfordshire County Council.

If you’d like to know more about the OxLAEP, contact the team at LAEP@oxfordshire.gov.uk.