New research was unveiled recently at OFTEC’s 2019 annual conference supporting that liquid biofuels are a low cost, high-impact carbon reduction solution for oil-heated homes.
Industry leaders gathered to hear the outcomes of the six-month study which used a detailed analysis of oil heated housing stock in England to help inform extensive modelling that compares biofuels with other low carbon heating options available today.
The research findings revealed that biofuels, both a 100% pure biofuel and a 30% blend of FAME and kerosene, provide the best carbon-reducing routes for the least financial outlay.
At the OFTEC AGM, which followed the conference, Laurance Coey, Managing Director at Harlequin Manufacturing, was appointed as the new OFTEC Chairman, replacing Niall Fay of Grant Engineering who steps down following his two-year tenure.
OFTEC CEO Paul Rose said: “This year’s conference couldn’t be more timely. Just last week, the UK became the first major nation to commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, replacing the original target of an 80% reduction on 1990 levels. The result is we must all now push harder to meet this new, tougher goal.
“The liquid fuel heating industry has the potential to play a pivotal role in decarbonising rural homes. These research findings show that biofuels offer the most cost-effective solution for this hard-to-treat sector. Government and all sector players must now get behind biofuels and make this option a reality to secure a sustainable future for off-grid consumers and industry alike.”
The housing stock research highlighted how oil heated properties tend to be older, detached and often poorly insulated. This means there is considerable scope to reduce heat demand from these homes by carrying out fabric improvements.
Modelling showed that making ‘reasonable’ upgrades, such as installing double glazing, cavity wall and loft insulation, would reduce heat demand by 15% at an average cost of approx. £6,350 – £9,150 per home. ‘Deep’ improvements i.e. floor and solid wall insulation would cost more, on average approx. £10,100 – £14,350 but reduce heat demand by a substantial 42.5%.
Paul Rose continues: “With so many rural properties currently ‘leaking’ heat, stemming this energy loss must be an essential step in any decarbonisation strategy, where financially and practically possible. There is no way around the fact that this is going to be a vast and costly exercise so government support will be vital to encourage consumer action.
“This is particularly true for those on lower incomes and given the higher rates of fuel poverty in rural areas, we must all ensure the transition to low carbon heat is fair, practical and as affordable as possible.”
Paul Rose added: “Now we are in no doubt that biofuels provide the future path for oil heating, the next step will be to develop ‘pathway options’ for government, detailing how and when the industry will develop and roll out low carbon liquid fuels. Field trials will also begin to confirm the performance of biofuels and we will further step up our communication with government and stakeholders to secure recognition and support for this compelling solution.”
Read the full article here:
https://www.oftec.org/news_and_press_releases/new-research-confirms-biofuels-as-the-future-of-liquid-fuel-heating
