The Minister for Climate has attended an event in Oxford to learn more about community energy and the work being done to drive the transition to net zero.
Kerry McCarthy, in her first ministerial visit, was part of a delegation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero that visited the Low Carbon Hub.
She was joined by Katherine Wright, deputy director of the Local Net Zero Strategy Directorate, and Anca Mihalache, head of smart energy policy.
The visit began with a roundtable discussion, highlighting the role community energy is already playing in the transition to net-zero.
The potential impact of policy changes, which support more community ownership and enable local energy trading, was also discussed.
Topics ranged from the importance of ‘grid edge co-ordination’ to bridging the gap between strategic local area energy planning and delivery on the ground and need for social justice.
Ms McCarthy also toured Osney Lock Hydro, a community-owned hydro scheme in Oxford, and the Vishuddah Yoga Centre.
Both participated in the Osney Supercharge trial, part of the £40 million Innovate UK funded Project Local Energy Oxfordshire.
Ms McCarthy said: "Tackling climate change is a shared challenge that can start at home.
"In my first visit as Climate Minister to Osney Hydro Lock and the Low Carbon Hub, I’ve seen first-hand the hugely important role local communities are playing in our mission for clean power - with investment funnelled straight back into innovative energy projects.
“As we accelerate towards net zero, we want to see more of this. That’s why through Great British Energy we will create the Local Power Plan, so that local authorities and communities are empowered to support cleaner and more secure homegrown energy for their towns and villages."
Dr Barbara Hammond, CEO of Low Carbon Hub, said: "Low Carbon Hub was pleased and proud to host the Minister’s first visit in her new role and to share with her some of the pioneering and inspiring work communities are doing in Oxfordshire.
"We are tremendously excited by the potential of the Local Power Plan to make sure the transition happens in a way that can truly involve, and benefit, everyone."
Councillor Anna Railton, Oxford City Council's cabinet member for zero Carbon Oxford, who attended the roundtable discussion, added: "It’s brilliant that Kerry McCarthy MP chose Oxford for her first ministerial visit to find out about all the fantastic work that’s already happened with community energy in the city and county.
"We’re keen to do way more for our own communities, and we trust the community energy projects we’ve found work in Oxfordshire can be replicated across the UK."
Oxford Climate Awards 2024
The Oxford Mail and Oxford City Council are looking to find Oxford’s climate heroes to reward and celebrate those making a difference in our community.
With the support of businesses, local authorities and our readers we are looking to nominate those individuals or groups who champion environmental sustainability.
Across multiple categories – including innovation in climate action, sustainable business and green transport – we want to discover those incredible people who go above and beyond, culminating in a special awards night at Oxford Town Hall later this year.
The awards aim to honour exemplary efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural ecosystems and promote sustainable practises.
The importance of the Oxford Climate Action Awards lies in their potential to inspire and mobilise the community.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a pressing reality affecting lives and livelihoods.
These awards serve as a powerful reminder that each one of us can make a positive impact on our environment.
By acknowledging and celebrating the dedicated environmental stewards within the Oxfordshire community, the awards not only foster a sense of collective responsibility but also provide a platform for sharing innovative solutions and best practises.
Andrew Colley
Editor
- Sustainable Small Business of the Year Award
- Sustainable Medium Business of the Year Award
- Innovation In Climate Action Award
- Sustainable Primary School of the Year
- Sustainable Secondary School of the Year
- Sustainable Further Education School/College of the Year
- Biodiversity And Ecology Award
- Green Building & Design Award
- Climate Community Group Award
- Green Transport Award
- Youth Climate Action Champion
- Climate Action Champion
Alongside the spotlight on each award, we feature our categories sponsors who we are delighted to have on board and make this amazing event happen.
The closing date for nominations is Sunday, August 11 and entry forms can be found here: www.oxfordmail.co.uk/climate-awards
The awards will culminate in a prestigious black-tie event on October 17, 2024, at Oxford Town Hall.
This elegant evening will honour the outstanding achievements of our nominees and reveal the winners across various categories, celebrating their exceptional contributions to sustainability and climate action.
We are searching for unsung heroes across Oxford who are contributing to making our world a better place through climate initiatives.
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