Oxford United stadium could be first in country to be ‘all-electric’

The U’s are looking to build a new home at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, as the club’s licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium runs out in 2026.

United have announced that if built, the stadium will be ‘all-electric’, while 1,200 solar panels would be used to generate energy.

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Meanwhile, the club estimates that air source heat pumps could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 per cent a year, compared to gas boilers.

The air source heat pumps would provide the heat source for hot water and undersoil pitch heating, plus general heating for the stadium.

U’s development director Jon Clarke told the club website: “The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country.

“We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.

“The stadium design has sustainability and visitor experience at its core.

“We’ve maximised modern technology, design and progressive thinking to create the benchmark for future design of stadiums with the protection of our planet in firm focus.

“By avoiding natural gas usage on site and by using highly efficient equipment to serve a high-quality building, the carbon emissions associated with this unique venue will be radically reduced resulting in a very low-impact home.”

READ AGAIN: New stadium part of plan to half carbon emissions within six years

The news comes days after United committed to halving their carbon emissions within six years after signing the United Nations’ Sports for Climate Action Framework.

The initiative has more than 250 signatories, including the likes of European giants Arsenal, Juventus and Liverpool, with the U’s becoming the 13th English team to sign the pledge.

As well as halving carbon emissions by 2030, United are also aiming to be net zero by 2040.