Renewable heat network for Clanfield
From "Call for Ideas, Opportunities and Sites"
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Create a community heat network to supply all homes in Clanfield with hot water and central heating, following the successful example of Swaffham Prior in Cambridgeshire and the planned development in Upper Heyford. There are a number of potential sites around the village for the energy centre. The benefits are:
lower costs compared to oil,
more effective heating solution for older housing compared to individual heat pumps, and without costly insulation and plumbing refits,
sustainable, reliable supply of renewable energy,
significant contribution to WODC's carbon net zero goals,
allow homes in Clanfield to secure heating and hot water supplies after the 2026 ban on replacing oil-fired boilers.
This is a major, five year project requiring the support of WODC as well as numerous other stakeholders and partners. Community acceptance, cost, land availability, construction and maintenance are significant challenges. The first step is a feasibility study to establish the necessary level of community support, an outline engineering plan and financial model. Since the Rural Community Energy Fund is closed, funding from local government may be needed.
