News

A future framework for heat in buildings: call for evidence

Chief executive Guy Pulham says the FPS is eager to engage with the BEIS consultation and is urging all members to submit evidence to help shape the future of our industry
On 19th March the Department for Business, Energy & lndustrial Strategy (BEIS) launched a consultation period ‘seeking evidence and views on action we can take during the 2020s to phase out high carbon fossil fuel heating in off gas grid buildings
Evidence is sought from across society and, in particular, from consumers and the heat market – those using or working with fossil fuels and those using or working with low carbon alternatives.
www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-future-framework-for-heat-in-buildings-call-for-evidence
The closing date is 11.45pm on Monday 11th June.
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has welcomed this dialogue with BEIS which follows a roundtable discussion on government plans to decarbonise heating from the 1.2m homes and 250,000 businesses across the UK currently using oil heating.
The FPS and its members put forward their thoughts as to how they want to work with government, providing information and ideas on action the government can take to meet carbon reduction targets in off gas grid buildings including taking a stepped change approach to carbon reductions through a government supported nationwide scheme to replace older oil boilers with energy efficient condensing boilers, the development of a bio fuel and alternative research into hybrid systems.
The FPS also highlighted the important role members play in supplying not only heating oil but also fuel for agriculture, construction, road transport, marine fuels and fuel for back-up generators for hospitals, schools, care homes and data centres.
“The initial direction of the Clean Growth Strategy didn’t appear to be technology neutral, so it’s positive that BEIS is now consulting further and asking for ideas and information from the heating oil industry,” said Guy Pulham, FPS chief executive.
“We recognise the government’s work to meet the 2050 carbon reduction target, but oil and – more long-term – a bio product, can be part of the phased solution. We can put forward an alternative, credible solution with government support to achieve genuine energy savings in the short term and CO2 emission reduction through research into bio fuels to smooth the changeover to a decarbonised heat supply.”
“All our members have a vital role to play in helping the government reach the right decisions on the best way forward for off grid energy solutions. The government talks about our heating industry retaining its position as a world leader and we believe that with assistance with research and development incentives we can help to lead the change,” added Guy.
The FPS has also urged BEIS to facilitate a dialogue with the full supply chain so that refiners, importers and associated industries, such as aviation, are also included.