The fully electric double-decker bus arrived into Oxford city centre as the first stop of a two-week ‘Road to Renewables’ nationwide tour that will end in Glasgow ahead of the landmark COP26 summit starting at the end of October.
The bus showcased some of the most innovative energy projects across the UK, including Project LEO, celebrating our work on leading the transition to a net zero energy system.
The COP-branded bus was welcomed into the city by representatives from Project LEO, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford Bus Company, University of Oxford, and Oxford Brookes University.
The electric bus stopped overnight at Oxford Bus Company’s Cowley depot to charge up for the next stage of its journey. Oxford Bus Company’s on-site batteries took part in the first Project LEO trial, exploring how energy storage can benefit and operate within a local flexibility market.
Tim Sadler, Chair of the Low Carbon Hub, said: “The Road to Renewables tour is a reminder that we are all part of COP26 and have a role to play in its objectives to reduce global emissions. In Oxfordshire, Project LEO is a beacon initiative that puts communities and partnerships at the heart of the energy transition”.
The tour is organised by the lead partner in LEO, SSE, along with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis.
Phil Southall, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “Oxford is world famous for its innovation, and the city is currently working really hard to help achieve net zero, not just for our own city, but also to help inform similar efforts worldwide. We are really proud to have played a part in Project LEO and are focused on supporting the city in its ambitious decarbonisation plans.”
