New research from the Oil Fired Technical Association (OFTEC) reveals that a switch by oil heating users from kerosene to environmentally friendly bioliquids could save the UK over 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ per annum by 2020, which is the equivalent CO₂ that over a million trees would absorb in their lifetime.
Field trials over 18 months have seen the oil industry test a blend of 30 per cent Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) manufactured from waste cooking oil and 70 per cent kerosene. This bioliquid blend is said to have been proven to reduce carbon emissions by 28 per cent compared to conventional kerosene which is currently used by the majority of households on oil.

OFTEC believes that if this blend is included in the Renewable Heat Incentive, 90 per cent of existing oil customers could transfer to use it by 2020, resulting in considerable carbon savings. Boilers have a natural lifespan of 15-20 years and, with around 80,000 oil boilers being replaced every year, many consumers will switch to a bioliquid condensing boiler if it is included in the RHI.

Jeremy Hawksley, director general of OFTEC, said: 'Our research reveals the significant CO₂ savings that could be made if consumers who currently use oil heating switch to an environmentally friendly biofuel blend. OFTEC believes there is a real opportunity for the Government to help consumers move to a lower carbon energy source and would urge them to include bioliquids in the Renewable Heat Incentive'.

OFTEC is calling for a minimum 8p per kw subsidy in the RHI for bioliquid. This is the minimum level needed to make bioliquids viable for end consumers.

Issued on behalf of: OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) (*metric tonnes)