It has been announced that the development of a low carbon solution, to secure the future of liquid fuel heating, will be the focal point of OFTEC’s 2018 annual conference.
During the event, held on Tuesday 19 June at The Hilton Puckrup Hotel near Tewkesbury, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose will update members and guests on the industry’s progress to bring to market a low carbon liquid fuel to directly replace kerosene in support of government’s decarbonisation plans.
OFTEC will be joined by Richard Vianello, Renewable Heat Incentive & Heat in Buildings Deputy Director at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS).
Richard will discuss current thinking on government heat policy and may reveal some early findings from the recent ‘call for evidence’ on the future framework for heat in buildings.
Dr Ernst-Moritz Bellingen, Energy Policy Director of the German Institute for Heating and Oil Technology (IWO) will also discuss low carbon liquid fuel options identified in a study conducted by the University of Freiburg.
Andrew Robertson, co-founder of renewable energy consultancy Clean Energy Consultancy, will also be present to talk through the customer journey when opting for a renewable heating solution.
Paul commented: “Much progress has been made since OFTEC’s strategy for the future of off-grid heating was officially launched at last year’s conference and AGM.
“Twelve months ago we were talking about plans to develop a low carbon liquid fuel as a ‘green’ alternative for the 850,000 oil using homes in England and Wales. Fast forward to today and, following direct engagement with government and policy makers, a joint OFTEC-BEIS industry working group has been established to co-ordinate discussion and action in this area.
“OFTEC, in partnership with leading industry manufacturers Ecoflam, EOGB and Riello, has also begun testing the viability of a synthetic bio-oil called HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) as one potential option. At this early stage we are keeping our options open to ensure we find the right sustainable, cost effective and technically suitable solution for consumers, policy makers and our planet but the initial findings are very positive. Although this process will likely take a matter of years rather than months, OFTEC is keen to introduce a suitable low carbon fuel as soon as possible.”
The conference is said to also provide a key opportunity to bring members from across the UK and Northern Ireland together to discuss the significant opportunity decarbonisation presents.
For further information on OFTEC’s annual conference and AGM or to book a free place, please contact Andy Peirson at OFTEC at [email protected] or 01473 618552.
