Trade Associations OFTEC, TSA and UKIFDA have kicked off 2020 with the launch of a future vision for liquid fuels ‘Supply Chain Strategy for Liquid Fuels’, which details the steps to be taken towards a transition to 100% biofuel to replace heating oil in 1.5m homes across the UK and 686,000 homes across Ireland.   The three trade associations will be joined by other trade bodies and industry representatives in a new ‘Taskforce for Liquid Biofuels’, which will use the policy proposals contained in this future vision document to support a transformational effect on the UK’s off grid heating market and enable Government to maintain a technology-neutral approach, as well as encourage all industries to find solutions. UKIFDA “Liquid fuel, more specifically a bio product, can be part of the solution to achieve net zero,” said Guy Pulham CEO of UKIFDA. “Government talk about large scale electrification through the use of heat pumps, but we believe they need to look at alternatives as this is not feasible due to the high installation and running costs of heat pumps for off grid homeowners; the requirement for additional National Grid generation and infrastructure costs. Recognising the Government’s targets on reducing fuel poverty, it is important any regulation around heat policy takes this into account. We can’t stress enough that electrification through the widespread use of heat pumps is not the only conclusion, especially for vulnerable consumers who might be adversely impacted if they install solutions which reduce emissions and carbon targets but lead to higher bills.”  OFTEC “Our ‘Supply Chain Strategy for Liquid Fuels’ is a clarion call to Government to respond to the huge environmental challenges we face with practical and inspiring policies that could help the 2.2m oil heated homes in the UK and Ireland switch to a low carbon liquid fuel,” comments OFTEC chief executive Paul Rose. Following detailed independent research that suggests that the cost of decarbonising liquid fuel for heating gives the best value to the consumer when compared with other low carbon solutions, we need policies to be ambitious enough for net zero but which also reflect the practical challenges and financial constraints of many households. Low carbon liquid fuels offer the highest carbon reduction impact for the lowest cost (Based on existing SAP 10.1 figures). Analysis also shows that sustainable, low carbon liquid fuels could be produced in sufficient volume in the UK, with the additional benefit of generating investment opportunities and creating new green jobs.” TSA “Together, we have developed an ambitious and realistic pathway, one which reduces risk, achieves short- and medium-term reduction in carbon emissions, puts the needs of the consumer first and encourages business to plan ahead in order to meet those needs,” adds TSA’s chief executive, Peter Davidson. “The ‘Supply Chain Strategy for Liquid Fuels’ pathway sets five key challenges to the Government to: