Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement that the UK Government intends to achieve its net-zero target in a more “proportionate way” has been welcomed by the trade association for the heating and cooking industries in the UK and Ireland.
The Prime Minister recently confirmed the Government will align the phase out date for oil boilers with gas boilers to 2035.
It has also confirmed that there will be an exemption for off-grid properties in the scenario where there are no suitable low carbon heating solutions.
Net-zero target
In response, OFTEC Ireland manager, David Blevings said the Prime Minister’s announcement represents a “pragmatic approach” that will ultimately help hard pressed consumers make the changes required to hit the United Kingdom’s net zero targets.
He said: “Energy is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland, but we are pleased the Prime Minister has recognised the need for a pragmatic approach to the United Kingdom’s decarbonisation pathway.
“There is no one ‘fuel of the future’ at present. Times are tight and decarbonisation can only be achieved with consent. It is vital consumers understand policy plans, view them as fair and feel their views have been listened to.
“Although we have never campaigned for this, moving the date when oil boilers will no longer be permitted to be installed to 2035 – the same as for mains gas – is clearly fairer and reflects the current practical and economic realities.
“However, it is important that we press ahead with decarbonisation, and we welcome that the government now wants to explore all viable off gas grid options.
“Heat pumps are an important net zero technology, but for many they are currently too expensive and solutions such as renewable liquid fuels offer a potentially attractive alternative.
“We calculate the average price of adapting an oil boiler to run on HVO at about £500 while retrofitting and installing a heat pump could cost homeowners anywhere from £23,000 to £30,000.
“With more than 500,000 homes across Northern Ireland relying on oil for household heating, other options need to be on the table.
“It is vital the Government now brings forward plans — such as the introduction of a fuel obligation and tax changes to support the deployment of renewable liquid fuels for heating — so that progress can be made quickly as this is vital to achieving net zero targets.”
Mr Sunak’s announcement follows a decision by the Government to insert an amendment into its Energy Bill which will, if it becomes law, provide a commitment to consult on a renewable liquid heating fuel obligation within 12 months.
The obligation would provide a route by which fuels, such as hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO), can be supplied at an affordable cost to oil heating customers through the removal of duty.
By utilising HVO an average household could see its carbon footprint fall by around 80% per year.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy has kicked off a call for evidence on using liquid biofuels to replace the traditional fossil fuels in a series of planned stakeholder and working group meetings.
OFTEC is one of the stakeholders involved in these discussions and Mr Blevings said it will continue to lobby to ensure biofuels are included in the new energy strategy for Northern Ireland.
“Doors are now opening to low carbon heating options including vegetable-based liquid fuels such as HVO which will be a much easier and cheaper solution for most consumers,” he said.
