In a critical year which will likely determine the policies for off-gas grid decarbonisation, OFTEC’s 2023 in person conference is being hosted in Tewkesbury on 28th June to coincide with the three day Installer Show at the NEC, enabling attendees to take part in both events.

The trade association will hold its AGM in the afternoon which, this year, we see a change in Chair as Nick Hawkins, Kingspan Water and Energy, hands over to Martin Cooke of EOGB Energy Products. The day will conclude with the Chairman’s dinner reception in the evening.

During the conference, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose will update attendees on the crucial next steps to secure an amendment to the government’s energy bill to make provisions for renewable liquid fuels. It comes as support across industry, consumers and backbench rural MPs continues to grow.

OFTEC Technical Director Andy Mathews will provide an update on the HVO demonstration project which has seen around 150 properties running on the renewable liquid fuel for the past two years. Registration Services Director Adrian Lightwood will also set out OFTEC’s expanded heat pump training and scopes of registration, which cover the full suite of off-grid heating technologies, as the trade association promotes a technology neutral approach to decarbonisation.

Additional confirmed speakers include Ken Cronin, CEO of UKIFDA, who has been working closely with OFTEC to secure government support for HVO, as well as the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA), Rural Services Network (RSN) and Moritz Bellingen of En2x, Germany, who will provide insights in future efuels production.

Malcolm Farrow, head of public affairs at OFTEC, commented: “From the success of the HVO demonstration project and growing support for renewable liquid fuels from consumers and rural MPs, to the roll out of our new suite of heat pump training courses, it’s been a very positive year for OFTEC. Our commitment to deliver practical and affordable low carbon heating solutions to off-grid households in the current challenging economic climate remains steadfast.

“Whilst significant progress has been made, we mustn’t be complacent. It’s vital as an industry we continue to work together to secure government support for renewable liquid fuels and our conference will be a central forum for these discussions. We’re delighted to announce details of our speakers this year and we look forward to welcoming attendees.”