The Energy Superhub Oxford – its first year evaluated

The Energy Superhub Oxford, a government-backed project showcasing rapid EV charging, battery storage, low carbon heating and smart energy management technologies has turned one year old.

During its first 12 months the superhub has charged 32,000 vehicles and  the number of EVs in Oxford has doubled.

The superhub is a partnership between EDF Renewables UK, Oxford City Council, Fastned, Tesla Superchargers and Wenea and is the first of a nationwide rollout of Energy Superhubs, with a total of 40 planned across the UK.

The next two battery storage projects are already underway in Coventry and Sandwell. Once complete, the network could provide almost 10% of the energy storage that the UK is predicted to require by 2035.

Councillor Anna Railton, Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice, Oxford City Council said: ‘It is very exciting that the Energy Superhub Oxford project has achieved one year of operation. This was a significant moment for our city as we work to become a zero-carbon oxford by 2040 and I am delighted that so many people have visited and used the Superhub. This is a prime example of how private companies and local councils can work together to achieve net zero.’ 

The 32,000 vehicles charged represents a saving of around 732.66 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of planting around 4,300 trees in the Oxford area. It has also provided 1,145 MWh of power to local residents. 

On average the superhub charges around 95 vehicles a day, which equates to 3,309,248 emission-free miles driven over the course of the year.

In 2022, 9,084 EVs were registered in Oxfordshire, up from 5,022 the year before. According to the DVLA, half (50.8%) of newly registered vehicles in Oxfordshire were electric in June 2023, the highest uptake figures in the whole of the UK.

Matthew Boulton, Director of Solar, Storage and Private Wire at EDF Renewables UK said: ‘One year on, we’re thrilled to see the impact that Energy Superhub Oxford has had on EV uptake and net zero targets for Oxford, ensuring that these essential goals can be achieved in tandem, without overburdening the grid. With emissions down and electrification on the rise, it’s great to see how, with the right infrastructure, individuals and organisations can – and do – make greener choices. With our technology able to scale as demand grows, we look forward to continuing to work with our partners across the city to drive decarbonisation in the region as we near 2040.’