Oxford United aiming to build first all electric stadium in UK

Oxford United Football Club has unveiled its ambition to build the first all electric stadium in the UK where 1,200 solar panels would be used to generate power.

It comes just days after the club revealed it had signed up for the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, pledging to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2040.

READ MORE: Oxford United signs up to UN's Sports for Climate Action Framework

The proposed 16,000 capacity stadium near Kidlington in Oxford would not use any gas and instead feature modern energy solutions.

Air source pumps would be the primary heat source at the scheme, providing an estimated 80% reduction in CO2 emissions.

"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," said Jon Clarke, development director at Oxford United.

"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," he added.

"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," he said.

Last year, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet gave in principle consent to lease the triangle site in Kidlington as the club's new home. The club must apply to Cherwell district council for planning permission.

The stadium would also include drainage systems, rain storage and recycling solutions to re-use rainwater to improve biodiversity, while plans to enhance biodiversity on the land at the Triangle would achieve a significant net gain.

The scheme would also potentially be home to a fully automated building energy management system, the club said.

Plans also include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, gym and a community plaza.

The club is currently preparing to submit its full planning application.