The 31,000 households in Herefordshire that currently use oil to heat their homes could benefit from the introduction of a greener renewable liquid fuel made from used cooking oil under new plans published by the UK Government.
The Heat and Buildings Strategy, which sets out the steps we need to take to eliminate carbon emissions from our homes by 2050, accepts that some off-gas grid, rural properties will not be suitable for low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, and suggests renewable liquid fuels could be an alternative solution.
It follows successful trials of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in twenty oil heated homes over the last 12 months, led by trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA, which demonstrates the potential of the fuel in delivering a greener future for rural households. Following further industry investment, the trials are rapidly expanding to around 200 homes across the UK by Christmas.
HVO is a sustainably sourced, renewable liquid fuel alternative to heating oil that immediately reduces carbon emissions by 88%. As a near drop-in replacement, HVO offers a green solution at a fraction of the upfront cost of other options with minimal disruption for households. The conversion process should cost no more than £500 for most homes.
The Government’s acknowledgement of renewable liquid fuels will be welcome news for oil heated households in Herefordshire who would otherwise face initial costs typically starting from £11,000* to install an electric air source heat pump. In addition, older, rural properties with poor insulation often need expensive and extensive home improvements for the technology to work effectively.
However, the government has yet to fully adopt renewable liquid fuels like HVO into its green heating policies so OFTEC and UKIFDA are urging the 31,000 oil heated households in Herefordshireto rally together and write to their MP to secure support for a wider rollout of the fuel.
Alongside the Heat and Buildings Strategy, the government has opened a consultation to seek opinions on its proposals to phase out fossil fuel heating in off-gas grid buildings from 2026 and households and businesses are encouraged to share their views by January 12th 2022.
Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, comments: “It is very promising to see the inclusion of renewable liquid fuels in the Heat and Buildings Strategy, but government plans need to go so much further. Many oil heated households in Herefordshire will struggle to reach net zero under existing plans, whether due to cost or impracticality. A fossil free liquid fuel like HVO should be a championed as the ideal solution and not just a footnote alternative.”
“To ensure that government includes renewable liquid fuel in future policy, we’re asking for support from households who currently use oil heating. By having your say in the government consultation or writing to your MP, you will be helping to make HVO a reality for households across the UK.”
Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of UKIFDA, adds: “The government has to recognise the physical reasons why households use oil in their central heating. A typical oil heated home in Herefordshireis detached, built pre-1919 with solid walls and low levels of insulation. This means the cost to convert to heat pumps can easily reach £20,000. This is far beyond what most households can afford so we need realistic, alternative solutions such as renewable liquid fuels to ensure these homes aren’t left behind.”
The ‘Phasing out fossil fuel heating in homes off the gas grid’ consultation can be accessed online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/phasing-out-fossil-fuel-heating-in-homes-off-the-gas-grid
Further information about HVO and the campaign to secure a renewable future for oil heated homes, including a template letter to send to your local MP, can be found on the Future Ready Fuel microsite:www.futurereadyfuel.info
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