You may well already be aware that the UK government, in its transition to more sustainable and cleaner energy sources to combat climate change, is planning to ban new oil boilers in the near future. Its plan is for oil householders to be the first to introduce air-source heat pumps into their homes. In its 2021 Heat and Buildings Strategy, the government set out how the UK will decarbonise our homes, and put forward proposals to phase out the installation of new fossil fuel boilers in 2026. This proposed ban would have a major impact on the 1.7 million rural households in Britain which are not connected to the mains gas grid and currently rely on domestic heating oil to keep their homes warm and provide hot water.
The proposed ban is all part of the government’s work to tackle climate change and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Net zero means that any carbon emissions created are balanced by taking the same amount out of the atmosphere.
As a legally binding contract, it’s vital this goal is achieved. So here we’re going to take a look at what’s happening now within government and the industry, what the latest news on the proposed oil boiler ban is, and how you can show your support.
Government support for liquid fuels
Firstly, let's take a minute to look at what's happening within the government.
Former Environmental Secretary George Eustice is arguing that this proposed oil boiler ban is unfair to rural communities and householders who would be forced to switch to heat pumps. Installing a heat pump would involve high installation costs and the need for good insulation too as heat pumps are less efficient than heating oil. According to the Energy Savings Trust, installing a heating oil boiler usually costs up to £4,000 while an air-source heat pump costs around £14,000.
Mr Eustace has pointed out that there are viable alternatives to kerosene heating oil in renewable liquid fuels, which existing central heating oil systems can be converted to run on at a minimal cost. In his article in the Daily Telegraph on the 8th of August this week, he said 1.7 million rural homes would be affected by the new oil boiler ban, which he said, should be called off. He went on to say that by pursuing a different strategy – that of switching over to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as an alternative solution would ‘reduce carbon emissions by 88 percent, far faster than the current approach and at a fraction of the cost’.
HVO is currently being trialed by the liquid fuel heating industry. The trials have been successful, and HVO has been found to work well in all existing oil heating systems. All that’s needed is a quick and simple, cost-effective conversion that only takes a few hours.
A number of Conservative MPs have echoed Mr Eustice’s call, arguing that this oil boiler ban will disproportionally affect rural communities. MPs, which include Sir Geoffrey Cox, David Jones and Greg Smith, have pointed out that heat pumps are not a suitable option for many rural homes. In addition, the Telegraph reported that more than 30 MPs have written to Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to raise the issue.
Renewable Liquid Fuel Support from Trade Bodies
Also coming out in full support of renewable liquid fuels is UKIFDA, the trade association for the liquid fuels distribution industry, which is working alongside OFTEC, campaigning to overturn the ban and provide more support.
Following George Eustice’s article in the Telegraph, a joint statement was issued by Ken Cronin, CEO of UKIFDA, and Paul Rose, CEO of OFTEC :
“Many of our off grid customers live in rural communities, with older properties who face real and serious challenges about how to decarbonise their home heating. They have told us they need to be given a choice of how they can do this in an affordable way which results in minimal disruption.
“This is the reason why our industry over the last 2 years has invested time, effort and money – without government subsidy – on developing a solution, using renewable liquid fuel as a replacement fuel for kerosene. We have successfully demonstrated this solution in 150 sites across the UK, including churches, schools, historic buildings, pubs and residential homes.
“The conversion from oil to these renewable fuels can be done quickly, at a reasonable upfront cost and without disruption and it results in immediate reductions in carbon emissions. Our industry, members and customers are urging the Government to support George Eustice’s amendment to the Energy Bill, which will bring the cost of these fuels down for consumers, as they already have in transport, while costing the taxpayer nothing.”
More on heat pumps
There's no doubting that heat pumps are a low-carbon, environmentally friendly way to heat your home, but whilst some rural properties are suitable for heat pumps, there are also many that aren't. Apart from the high cost of installation, there are several factors that may mean a heat pump simply isn't a viable option for your home.
Firstly, your home will need to be well insulated as heat pumps don't heat water to a high temperature like your oil boiler does. You may need to supplement with underfloor heating or increase the size of your existing radiators to generate sufficient heat, and you will need space for a hot water cylinder, as well as outdoor space to locate the unit where air can circulate. And also worth thinking about is that they can be rather noisy.
What can I do to support renewable liquid fuels?
So if you feel a heat pump isn't for you, then you can get involved and do your bit to support the campaign for renewable liquid fuels.
The growing opposition to the oil boiler ban and the gain in momentum may mean the government will be forced to reconsider its position. Multiple letters have been sent to MPs already - and you can send one too.
A downloadable template is available on the The Future Ready Fuel website which, if you are interested in doing so, you can use to register your concerns with your local MP.
Need additional advice and support? Get in touch with our dedicated customer service team based in North Yorkshire, and they can help you decide the best course of action for you and your home.