Opinion

Don’t let Covid derail decarbonisation

Responding to the 2021 Budget, OFTEC chief executive Paul Rose said: “The Chancellor didn’t hold back in outlining the financial toll the Covid-19 pandemic has taken on the UK economy, so it’s perhaps not surprising there were very few new green announcements, other than re-commitments to existing policies.

OFTEC chief executive, Paul Rose

“We mustn’t let this pandemic halt progress on creating a greener economy but, with little cash in the government’s pot and consumers tightening their belts, it’s clear more than ever that the route to a low carbon future needs to be driven by affordable and cost-effective solutions and not unrealistic spending expectations.
“OFTEC wants to play our part in the off-grid sector which is why we are securing support to transition oil heated homes onto a renewable liquid fuel which provides an almost drop-in replacement for Kerosene. This can deliver substantial carbon savings of almost 90% compared kerosene and, more importantly, at a fraction of the cost of other low carbon options to both the government and consumers.
“With all the damage Covid-19 has done, let’s not let it put our decarbonisation goals at risk as well.”