Project Summary

The OxWET project will develop learning, identify challenges and solutions to the challenge of current and future electric charging needs of users for the 26 mile stretch of the Oxford Canal from Oxford to Banbury. This will look to provide a suitable business model and technologies for the Canal and River Trust to facilitate change and addressing the shift to zero carbon transport.

Project Achievements

The project used mixed-methods research to better understand those who use the waterways and how electrification might take place in a sector that has so far seen little transition away from conventional energy systems. There were five core project activities: • Desk-based research • Stakeholder interviews • User survey • Location-identification tool • Full Report and recommendations Activities

Conclusions

There is no need to develop both a power network and a userbase of electric propulsion vessels to generate a functioning market and confidence in the use of battery technology on the waterways. Vessels have long and complex operational lifecycles, relying upon natural lifespan models to achieve change will take decades. The technology to transition to battery electric exists within the market today, however without targets, investment or incentives to drive a shit, advances in this sector will be slow to progress.

Next Steps

Research from the OxWet project provided recommendations for planning and delivery of electrification of the inhaldn waterways framed around a need for both 1-year and 25-year roadmaps to deliver a power infrastructure network and to support growth of an electric boat industry. Commercial opportunities are present in power network technology along with the supply of parts and development of industry skills to build battery electric vessels and/or convert conventionally powered boats.