In 2023, the city council and the Canal and 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 aims to reduce air pollution by providing boaters with an alternative to diesel engines, generators, and wood burners for their daily heat and energy needs.
It builds on the council’s existing Air Quality Action Plan to improve air quality in Oxford, and will see the installation of three eco-mooring bollards.
Work is set to begin on January 6 and is expected to be completed by the end of February, subject to weather conditions.
Councillor Anna Railton, Oxford City Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for Zero Carbon Oxford, said: “I am excited that we will be starting to install the eco-moorings in the New Year.
“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.”
In Oxford, it is estimated 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 their batteries and to burn wood or coal to heat their houseboats.
The eco-moorings will consist of three electric pillars, each containing two sockets.
This will enable up to six visiting boaters to connect to the grid for energy.
The sockets will have a range of capacity, with five 16-amp sockets and one 32-amp socket, which will support the charging of electric propulsion boats.
All sockets will also have the ability to become 32-amp in the future.
Ros Daniels, Canal and River Trust’s director for London and South East, said: “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.”
From January 5 until the end of February, there will be temporary diversions in place on the towpath between Aristotle Lane and Walton Well Road.