National Grid delivers transformer for smart local energy system in Oxford

National Grid will tomorrow (25 July) deliver a 90-tonne 5-metre-wide transformer to its substation in Crowley as part of the creation of a smart local energy system in Oxford.

The transformer will feed power from the transmission network to a hybrid battery system and a private wire laid around the south of the city that will link together the Energy Superhub Oxford.

The £41 million trial is being led by Oxford City Council and Pivot Power, which was acquired by EDF Renewables in November.  The microgrid will initially be used to supply power for electric vehicle charging at council depots and a park and ride as well as heat pumps installed in social housing, although local business and organisations will also be able to connect to the network.

The transformer will leave Avonmouth Docks in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday morning before travelling more than 100 miles on the back of a 27-metre lorry to Crowley in Oxford. National Grid said it has spent months carefully planning the route to minimise the disruption to traffic.

“The delivery of this transformer is key to the completion of this essential  investment in Oxford’s zero carbon future and we are excited that National Grid is a key part of delivering a project which is a model for cities all around the world,” said National Grid project manager Michael Ellams.

Tim Rose, programme manager at Pivot Power, added: “Energy Superhub Oxford is one of the most ambitious urban decarbonisation projects globally and we are working with a phenomenal team of partners to bring it to life. The delivery of this transformer by National Grid marks a major milestone for the project as construction gets underway at the battery storage site.”

The system is expected to go live next year.