Oxford United's new ground would be first 'all-electric' UK stadium
The Football Club say the proposed ground at Kidlington would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.
Oxford United Football Club has announced plans to build the first stadium in the country powered solely by electricity. The club have already said they aim to make their proposed new sustainable home Net Zero by 2040.
As part of the club’s pledge, they've revealed this morning (14th February) the all electric plans for the site at the Triangle near Kidlington for the planned 16,000 seater stadium.
The club say 1200 solar panels, spreading across 3000 square metres would provide the power for the ground. They say this is enough to boil around 3 million 3-litre kettles per year.
The 16,000 capacity stadium wouldn't use any high carbon intensity fossil fuels such as gas.
The site would also make use of another low-carbon energy technology, rain water saving tech, and air source heat pumps.
Jon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said:
“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 news comes days after the club announced it has signed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework to help tackle the climate crisis. By joining the Framework, the club has underlined its pledge to playing its part to ensure the sports sector achieves a low-carbon future.
The club is committed to halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2040.
Plans for the site have received some opposition from local Kidlington residents. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.