Over 3,000 people have already made a submission to the government’s new ‘Alternative Clean Heating’ consultation which will determine the technologies people may be able to use to heat their home.
In the responses, households, technicians and fuel distributors have been calling on the government to support renewable liquid fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), as a route to rural heat decarbonisation, amid concerns over the potential costs of alternative solutions.
Exploring alternative solutions
The government’s current preference is for households to switch to heat pumps or heat networks.
However, a growing awareness of the significant potential cost and disruption to those in harder to treat properties is putting this ‘heat pump first’ approach under increasing scrutiny. Recognising these challenges, the government has invited households and those in the industry to share their views so that alternative heating solutions, including renewable liquid fuels, can be explored through this new consultation.
The liquid fuel heating industry argues these renewable liquid fuels could be initially introduced as a blend with kerosene. This would deliver an immediate emission reduction, without the need for any additional upfront cost and disruption. This approach has already been implemented in more than 150 properties as part of a successful industry demonstration.
Industry trade associations UKIFDA and OFTEC are submitting their evidence from these trials to the consultation. As part of the Future Ready Fuel campaign, they are urging fuel distributors and technicians to also respond.
Strength of feeling
OFTEC CEO Paul Rose and UKIFDA CEO Ken Cronin commented: “It’s encouraging to see over 3,000 responses to this new consultation in just a few weeks. This reflects the strength of feeling amongst households and people working in the industry that oil heated homes need affordable and practical solutions when it comes to switching to cleaner heating.
“Current proposals often overlook the unique challenges of heating older properties, which those of us living or working in rural areas are all too aware of. We believe a fair transition must focus on choice and include options like renewable liquid fuels, which allow households to decarbonise without the stress of major building work or unmanageable costs.
“The good news is submitting your views is quick, easy, and free. With only a few weeks remaining before the consultation closes, we urge technicians and fuel distributors to take this opportunity to ensure their voices are heard.”
The Alternative Clean Heating Consultation closes on 10 February 2026.
For more information, visit www.futurereadyfuel.info/consultation.
Image provided by OFTEC / UKIFDA