Hosted by a key member of the Climate, Energy and Environment Committee, John Clendennen TD of Fine Gael, TAZCH gave a very comprehensive briefing that demonstrated the role for low carbon liquid fuels in decarbonising the domestic heating sector, with particular reference to rural areas.
Covering cost, availability, and sustainability, as well as the crucial issue of the RHO, attendees were given a clear message on the reasons for low carbon liquid fuels being an essential part of the strategy to deliver significant emissions reduction.
Practical, affordable and effective
Welcoming the representatives from TAZCH to Leinster House, John Clendennen TD described the briefing on the role of low-carbon liquid fuels in cutting emissions from home heating as “important” noting that: “With over 750,000 homes across Ireland still relying on kerosene, we need practical, affordable, and immediate solutions that work for rural households.”
Highlighting the need for Government to support options that are “accessible, fair, and capable of making a measurable impact” Mr Clendennen continued: “The proposal outlined today demonstrates how advanced and sustainable liquid fuels, including HVO, can deliver real emissions reductions now, without placing additional financial pressure on families or requiring expensive retrofits.”
An extremely well-attended event, those present included 15 cross-party TDs and Senators, as well as a number of parliamentary staff. Many represented rural constituencies and were highly engaged with the clear message delivered by TAZCH offering a pragmatic alternative to heat pumps. Following the briefing, a Q&A session offered an opportunity for probing questions and constructive discussion around the role of low carbon fuels with many members indicating their support for low carbon fuels and broader home heat decarbonisation policy.
Great progress
Following the successful briefing, Phillip Hannon commented: “Overall, this was an extremely beneficial meeting for TAZCH and builds on the great progress we have made this year in engaging and getting the attention of politicians.
“This is especially significant in the context of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) which is making its way through the legislative process and which we believe needs to be adapted if it is to be fully effective.”
Noting the strength of engagement achieved, UKIFDA CEO Ken Cronin reinforced the role for renewable liquid fuels in delivering a rapid and just transition: “It is encouraging to see strong cross‑party engagement on the forthcoming Renewable Heating Obligation, RHO, and recognition that low‑carbon liquid fuels are central to ensuring a fair, accessible transition for the rural homes in Ireland reliant on kerosene.
David Blevings, representing OFTEC Ireland, also acknowledged the “Great cross party turnout” and welcomed the discussion on the forthcoming RHO which he says “can play a central role in reducing carbon emissions in home heating”.
Echoing calls for more ambitious targets David added: “We asked Members to encourage Minister O’Brien to increase the blend percentage as part of the RHO legislation to make meaningful carbon reductions in the 750,000 homes that use liquid fuel.”
Image provided by TAZCH