Work will start in January to install electric infrastructure for boats to help reduce air pollution along Oxford’s waterways.
Work will start in January to install electric infrastructure for boats to help reduce air pollution along Oxford’s waterways.
In 2023, the Council and the Canal & River Trust were awarded £193,000 from the Government’s annual Air Quality Grant, to install ‘eco-moorings’ at the Aristotle Lane visitor moorings.
The project will see the installation of three ‘eco-mooring’ bollards aiming to provide visiting boaters with electrical power infrastructure as an alternative to diesel engines, generators and wood burners for their daily heat and energy needs.
The project builds upon the Council’s existing Air Quality Action Plan to improve air quality in Oxford.
Work to install the eco-moorings will begin on 6 January and is expected to be completed by the end of February (subject to weather conditions).
In Oxford, it is estimated that there are around 200 boaters living on the rivers and canals, with half of them being visiting boaters. However, there are limited locations across the county where electrical power is available for boaters – especially for short-stay moorings.
Without access to electricity, boaters are often forced to run diesel engines to charge up their batteries and to burn wood or coal to heat their houseboats, both of which have been proven to be harmful to human health.
About the eco-moorings
The eco-moorings will consist of three electric pillars, each containing two sockets, which will enable up to six visiting boaters to plug into and connect to the grid for energy. The sockets will have range of capacity, with five 16-amp sockets and one 32-amp socket which will support the charging of electric propulsion boats (e-boats).
All sockets will also have the capability to become 32-amp in the future, based on demand.
The Oxford eco-moorings project builds upon other successful projects in Islington and Camden. Learnings from the project will help inform future management of Oxfords’ canal – subject to funding.
The Council and Canal & River Trust will also be working to deliver air quality and energy advice to boaters through the project. This will include ways and opportunities to transition to cleaner energy systems, as well as information on how to use their current heating in the most efficient way.
Towpath diversions
From 5 January until the end of February, there will be temporary diversions in place on the towpath between Aristotle Lane and Walton Well Road.
More details on the project, including information on towpath diversions can be found on the Council’s eco-moorings webpage.
"I am excited that we will be starting to install the eco-moorings in the New Year. We know that many boaters have no other choice but to use wood-burning and diesel generators to keep warm. This project will allow us to explore how we can provide essential infrastructure to support boaters in transitioning to cleaner forms of heating, helping to protect them and their neighbours from harmful air pollution."
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council
“Air pollution is something that affects every one of us and we all have a role to play in its reduction. Many boaters are very eco-conscious, and these moorings can give an alternative to diesel or solid fuel sources, while still being available to those who do not yet have a mains connection.”
Ros Daniels, Director for London & South East, Canal & River Trust
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